Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Hatchery Water Quality and Welfare

Water quality parameters in salmon hatcheries critically affect fry and parr welfare during the critical early life stages of farmed salmon.

Key Facts

Ammonia, pH, temperature, and oxygen all affect salmon fry survival and stress
Oxygen below 7 mg/l causes stress responses measurable by cortisol elevation
High ammonia exposure damages gill tissue and causes behavioural changes
Recirculating aquaculture systems allow precise water quality control
Poor hatchery water quality increases disease susceptibility in later life stages

Welfare Considerations

Water quality problems in hatcheries affect welfare in ways that may persist through the entire production cycle. Fish that experience chronic suboptimal water quality in early life may have compromised immune function and behavioural welfare throughout their lives. Hatchery welfare standards set the foundation for the welfare of the entire farmed population.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards requiring hatchery water quality monitoring
Choose certified salmon from companies with demonstrated hatchery welfare standards
Advocate for hatchery welfare requirements in salmon farm licensing