Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Net Cage Density Welfare

Sea cage stocking density is a key welfare variable for farmed salmon. Evidence-based density limits reflect behavioral and physiological welfare science.

Key Facts

Norwegian regulations permit maximum 25 kg per m3 in salmon sea cages
Higher densities correlate with increased cortisol, aggression, and fin damage
Behavioral space use by salmon indicates comfortable density thresholds
Oxygen depletion at high densities creates chronic welfare problems
Lower density production is achievable with adequate economic support

Welfare Considerations

Salmon at densities exceeding their behavioral needs experience chronic crowding stress - restricted swimming space, elevated aggression, and oxygen competition. Evidence-based density limits that reflect salmon behavioral and physiological needs represent one of the most impactful regulatory welfare improvements available. Consumer and retailer pressure can accelerate adoption of lower density standards.

What You Can Do

Support salmon certification schemes with documented density limits
Choose salmon certified to the lowest density standards available
Advocate for regulatory density limits based on welfare science
Support research into salmon behavioral space requirements