Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon RAS Land-Based Systems: Welfare Trade-offs

Recirculating aquaculture systems offer environmental control advantages but create new welfare considerations requiring research.

Key Facts

RAS systems recirculate 95%+ of water, dramatically reducing environmental discharge
Water quality parameters including CO2 and ammonia require precise management to prevent welfare problems
Elevated CO2 from recirculation causes acidosis and welfare compromise if not managed
RAS salmon show different behaviour to sea cage fish requiring system-specific welfare assessment

Welfare Considerations

RAS systems offer tighter control over temperature, oxygen, and density with significant welfare potential. However, CO2 accumulation, ammonia spikes, and noise from water circulation create new welfare risks. System-specific welfare assessment and monitoring is essential as RAS expansion continues.

What You Can Do

Support research into RAS-specific salmon welfare assessment tools
Advocate for welfare monitoring requirements in RAS aquaculture licensing and certification
Choose RAS salmon from producers demonstrating water quality monitoring and welfare protocols