The importance of stress in smolt production (Part 1)

Stress is an important indicator of fish welfare. In connection with transport of salmon smolt, stress can cause an increased mortality rate after the fish has transferred to sea. Stress plays a vital role in discussions of animal welfare, and fish is no exception. Animals suffering stress is often defined as a consequence of an unfortunate production routine or environment. The common conception is that stress has a negative influence on welfare, which is why quantifying stress as a direct measure of animal welfare is an objective.