Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Net Cage Density Welfare

Net cage stocking density in sea-based salmon farming is one of the most significant welfare determinants requiring robust regulation.

Key Facts

Norway regulates salmon cage density at a maximum of 25 kg per cubic meter
Many countries including Chile have no legally binding stocking density limits
Density correlates with cortisol levels, wound prevalence, and behavioral welfare indicators
Understocking is not cost-effective but overstocking creates welfare costs that often exceed production benefits
Dynamic density management adjusting over the production cycle reduces peak welfare impacts

Welfare Considerations

Salmon at densities above 25 kg per cubic meter experience chronic physiological stress with measurable impacts on immune function, healing, and behavioral normality. Science-based density limits are one of the most impactful regulatory welfare interventions available.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon from countries with legally binding density limits
Advocate for global adoption of science-based stocking density limits in aquaculture law
Support research establishing species-specific welfare-based density thresholds