Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Spinal Compression Welfare

Spinal compression injuries during crowding for treatments are a welfare concern in farmed salmon, requiring protocol improvements.

Key Facts

Vigorous crowding during treatment events can cause spinal compression injuries
Compressed spinal vertebrae cause chronic pain and impaired swimming ability
Fish with spinal injuries show reduced feeding and growth alongside welfare compromise
Anaesthesia before crowding procedures reduces involuntary violent movements causing compression
Protocols that limit crowding duration and density reduce compression injury risk

Welfare Considerations

Spinal compression from treatment crowding causes chronic pain and functional impairment. The welfare cost of these injuries extends throughout the remaining production life of affected fish. Anaesthesia during crowding procedures and limits on crowding duration and density are welfare-improving interventions with demonstrable effect.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certifications requiring anaesthesia during crowding procedures
Choose certified salmon from farms with explicit treatment welfare protocols
Advocate for spinal compression monitoring as a welfare performance indicator