Aquaculture

Salmon Welfare and Environmental Enrichment in Aquaculture

Environmental enrichment for farmed salmon is an emerging area that may significantly improve welfare in sea cage and RAS systems.

Key Facts

Salmon in barren environments show higher aggression and fin damage
Substrate provision reduces stereotypic swimming in salmonids
Current shelters and flow modification reduce crowding stress in sea cages
Visual enrichment reduces stress responses in experimental salmon populations
Norwegian regulations in 2026 piloted enrichment requirements for land-based RAS farms

Welfare Considerations

Salmon have sophisticated environmental needs that are poorly met in barren cage environments. Enrichment investment represents a significant welfare opportunity.

What You Can Do

Support salmon welfare research on enrichment
Choose ASC-certified salmon with welfare addendums
Advocate for enrichment requirements in aquaculture standards