New Zealand’s King Salmon industry has faced criticism from animal advocacy group SAFE over its treatment of farmed fish, with a complaint filed by the group prompting an investigation by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). The MPI investigation into New Zealand King Salmon’s high summer mortality rates comes after the company reported higher than expected mortality rates, citing multi-factor causes including warming water temperatures and bacterial infections.
- Multi-factor causes cited for high summer mortality rates include:
- Warming water temperatures, which increase stress and reduce salmon’s resistance to bacteria.
- Bacterial infections that affect salmon health.
- Other stressors such as overcrowding, heat stress, and disease.
Animal advocacy group SAFE has long been vocal about the need for better animal welfare standards in the farmed fish industry. SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall has accused the industry of breaching the Animal Welfare Act, calling for an industry-wide review to be launched by the MPI. “We have allowed the fish farming industry to breach animal welfare standards for far too long,” Hall said. “Fishes are exposed to harsh conditions, including cramped and barren enclosures, and denied the space and freedom they need to thrive.”
She added that the issues affecting farmed fish include skeletal deformities, skin lesions, stress, depression, and the quick spread of parasites and disease. Key Issues with Farmed Fish
- Skeletal deformities
- Skin lesions
- Stress and depression
- Parasites and disease
New Zealand King Salmon has denied SAFE’s claims, stating that they are fully compliant with the Animal Welfare Act. A spokesperson for the company said that a licensed veterinarian oversaw the health and welfare of all stock, and that they would work with MPI if required. “We are constantly working to improve the welfare of the fish under our care,” the spokesperson said. “We take very seriously the circumstances when we have elevated mortality.”
The company claims to follow voluntary welfare standards for farmed salmon in New Zealand, created by the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association.
Support from Industry Regulatory Body
Support from Industry Regulatory Body
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has expressed support for developing a code of welfare for farmed fish as a future priority. NAWAC’s Response
“We recognize the challenges that the farmed salmon industry faces in terms of animal welfare, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to improve welfare standards,” said a spokesperson for NAWAC. “We believe that a code of welfare for farmed fish would be an important step towards ensuring better welfare for these animals.”
Industry-Wide Review
SAFE’s Call for an Industry-Wide Review
MPI’s Role in Investigating SAFE’s Complaint
The MPI is currently investigating SAFE’s complaint, and is expected to make a decision on the matter in the coming months. Implications for the Industry
Impact of MPI’s Decision
Industry-Wide Changes
| Implications for the Industry | Impact of MPI’s Decision | Industry-Wide Changes |
| New Zealand King Salmon will face increased scrutiny over its animal welfare practices. | MPI’s decision will impact the industry as a whole, potentially leading to changes in animal welfare standards. | Industry-wide changes could include improved welfare standards, increased regulation, and greater transparency. |
Conclusion
Implications for the Future
Challenges Ahead
Industry Response
The MPI’s investigation into New Zealand King Salmon’s high summer mortality rates has highlighted the need for better animal welfare standards in the farmed fish industry. While New Zealand King Salmon has denied SAFE’s claims, the MPI’s investigation has sparked concerns about the industry’s treatment of farmed fish.
