Aquaculture

Salmon Welfare and Broodstock Management 2026

Broodstock management determines the genetic basis of welfare in farmed salmon, with welfare of breeding fish being an often-overlooked concern.

Key Facts

Broodstock salmon are held for multiple years to supply eggs and sperm for aquaculture
Strip spawning (manual expression of eggs) is stressful and may cause injury
Anaesthesia during stripping reduces stress but requires proper dosing and monitoring
Genetic selection of broodstock is increasingly targeting welfare traits including stress response
Welfare of broodstock directly determines the welfare potential of offspring through genetics

Welfare Considerations

Broodstock welfare is both intrinsically important and foundational for the welfare of subsequent generations. Improved protocols for broodstock handling are an important investment.

What You Can Do

Support research on welfare-positive broodstock management methods
Advocate for broodstock welfare in aquaculture welfare standards
Choose products from farms investing in genetic improvement for welfare traits