Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Welfare: Reasons for Hope in 2026

Salmon welfare in 2026 offers genuine reasons for hope alongside honest acknowledgement of remaining challenges.

Key Facts

Norway's salmon antibiotic use reduced by 99% from peak demonstrates that welfare and production can align
Pre-slaughter welfare standards are improving driven by consumer and retailer pressure
Genetic selection for welfare traits is becoming standard in leading breeding programmes
Consumer awareness of salmon welfare issues has increased substantially through certification campaigns

Welfare Considerations

Salmon welfare progress in 2026 gives genuine reason for hope. The Norwegian antibiotic success, improving stunning standards, and growing welfare certification demonstrate that industry transformation is possible. Remaining challenges including lice treatment welfare and density management are actively being addressed. Progress is accelerating.

What You Can Do

Celebrate salmon welfare progress with retailers and producers who have improved standards
Choose certified higher welfare salmon to reinforce market incentives for improvement
Maintain advocacy on remaining welfare gaps while acknowledging and rewarding demonstrated progress