A final summary of farmed salmon welfare in 2026, examining sea lice management, harvest welfare, cleaner fish, certification, and the outlook for welfare improvement.
Key Facts
Norway produces around 70% of global Atlantic salmon with welfare implications at scale
Sea lice resistance to chemical treatments continued to worsen in 2026
Mechanical lice treatments expanded but with inconsistent welfare protocols
ASC certification covers growing proportion of Norwegian salmon
Pre-slaughter welfare standards vary between companies with best practice emerging
Welfare Considerations
Farmed salmon welfare in 2026 reflects a species where the science is advanced but implementation is inconsistent. The scale of production means even small welfare improvements affect millions of sentient animals. Consumer certification pressure and regulatory requirements are the primary levers for improvement.
What You Can Do
Choose ASC-certified salmon from companies with documented welfare commitments
Support Compassion in World Farming salmon welfare advocacy campaigns
Advocate for pre-slaughter salmon welfare standards in aquaculture regulation