Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Welfare 2026 Progress Report

Reviewing welfare progress in farmed salmon production through 2026, assessing what has improved and what challenges remain.

Key Facts

Electrical stunning before slaughter is now mandatory in Norway and voluntary elsewhere
Sea lice biological control through cleaner fish has reduced chemical treatment frequency
Deformity rates have declined in leading producers through nutrition improvements
Individual monitoring technology is being adopted by leading producers
Net pen densities have been reduced by some producers responding to welfare evidence

Welfare Considerations

2026 represents meaningful progress in salmon welfare with real improvements in slaughter practice, lice management, and monitoring technology. The challenge is translating leading producer practices into industry-wide standards through certification and regulation. The gap between best practice and industry average remains a welfare concern.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon from leading producers demonstrating welfare improvement
Support certification schemes with the strongest welfare requirements
Advocate for regulatory adoption of best practice as minimum standard