Triploid welfare concerns

"Food Safty Authorities (FSA) is going to set high standards for breeders to produce triploid salmon and safeguard fish welfare," says Kristina Landsverk, supervising director of the FSA.

Triploid salmon are unable to breed and so any escapees will not be able to affect the genetic integrity of wild salmon stocks. Although triploid salmon are not yet in commercial production, the stipulation attached to a number of the green licenses means that commercially-produced triploids will be available soon.

"Production of triploid salmon is a new way of producing salmon. It should therefore be documented that this is a welfare justifiable method," says Landsverk.

"Breeders face new welfare challenges with triploid salmon that they must solve. It is their responsibility to ensure that the welfare is safeguarded," she adds, and farmers will have to fulfill certain requirements.