Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon RAS Land-Based Systems

Recirculating aquaculture systems offer potential welfare and environmental benefits over sea cages, though new welfare challenges emerge.

Key Facts

RAS systems recycle 99 percent of water, allowing salmon farming far from the sea
Controlled environment eliminates sea lice and reduces disease challenges from wild fish
Higher capital costs mean RAS farms typically operate at higher stocking densities
Water quality parameters including CO2, oxygen, and ammonia require constant monitoring
Sensory environments in RAS differ from sea cages, potentially affecting behavior and welfare

Welfare Considerations

RAS salmon may experience novel welfare challenges from altered sensory environments and extremely controlled conditions. Research into behavioral needs in RAS environments is essential to ensure welfare benefits outweigh costs.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes developing specific welfare standards for RAS salmon farming
Advocate for research investment into welfare assessment in RAS aquaculture systems
Choose RAS salmon from farms with published environmental and welfare data