Causes and consequences of vateritic otoliths in hatchery reared salmon

The vast majority of hatchery and aquaculture-reared salmon develop abnormal ear structures called otoliths, which are essential for hearing and balance. These deformities can impact their behaviour, survival, and welfare, yet we still don't fully understand why they occur. Drawing on five years of research with coho salmon, this seminar explores what causes these deformities and how simple changes to hatchery environments can help prevent them.

About the speaker

Leigh Gaffney is a fish welfare researcher with an MSc from UBC and a PhD from UVic. Her research examined how rearing environments and husbandry practices influence salmonid behaviour and welfare. She recently joined FishEthoGroup as a postdoc.