Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Brain and Nociception Research

Research into salmon brain function and nociception and its implications for welfare standards.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon have nociceptors and opioid systems consistent with pain experience
Stress responses in salmon include cortisol release, opercular beat increase, and behaviour change
UK government Brambell Committee position is that fish can suffer
Recent research on fish cognitive abilities has implications for welfare standards
Salmon welfare research has expanded significantly in Norway, Scotland, and globally

Welfare Considerations

Growing scientific evidence for salmon nociception and suffering requires commensurate strengthening of welfare standards across the production cycle.

What You Can Do

Support research into salmon nociception and welfare assessment
Advocate for science-based welfare standards in salmon aquaculture regulation
Choose salmon from certified sources committed to welfare science implementation