Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon 2026 Reasons for Hope

Despite ongoing challenges, 2026 provides real reasons for hope for farmed salmon welfare - progress is documented and momentum is building.

Key Facts

Electrical stunning before slaughter now covers over 60% of Norwegian salmon production
Sea lice biological control is growing as treatment-resistant lice drive innovation
OWI frameworks are increasingly embedded in certification and regulatory requirements
Consumer awareness of salmon welfare is growing in key European markets
Academic salmon welfare research has expanded dramatically since 2020

Welfare Considerations

Salmon welfare progress in 2026 is real - electrical stunning, biological lice control, and validated welfare indicators represent genuine improvements in conditions for billions of farmed fish. Acknowledging this progress alongside remaining challenges maintains the momentum for continued improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose welfare-certified salmon products that reflect these welfare improvements
Share salmon welfare progress stories to build public awareness and market support
Support organisations documenting and advancing salmon welfare progress