Aquaculture

Farmed Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Welfare

Broodstock salmon held for breeding purposes face specific welfare challenges from long holding periods, spawning preparation, and reproductive procedures.

Key Facts

Broodstock Atlantic salmon are held for 1-2 years before spawning
Spawning preparation involves maturation and sometimes out-of-season light manipulation
Egg stripping requires handling and may cause stress and injury if done without anaesthesia
Male salmon develop secondary sexual characteristics and may show increased aggression
Anaesthesia during stripping and milt collection reduces handling stress and injury

Welfare Considerations

Broodstock welfare is often overlooked despite long holding periods and invasive reproductive procedures. Prolonged captivity in holding tanks, combined with handling for reproduction, causes chronic and acute welfare costs. Anaesthesia during reproductive procedures and appropriate tank environments reduce these costs.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certifications including broodstock welfare standards
Choose salmon from companies with transparent broodstock welfare protocols
Advocate for mandatory anaesthesia during reproductive procedures in farmed salmon