South African abalone farming of Haliotis midae is the world largest abalone industry, with growing attention to the welfare of these commercially important molluscs.
Abalone welfare in aquaculture centres on water quality, feeding adequacy, and the prevention of disease outbreaks. Sabellid worm infestations, viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), and bacterial infections cause significant mortality and, potentially, suffering. High stocking densities limit natural grazing behaviour. Temperature and dissolved oxygen management are critical, as abalone are sensitive to hypoxia. The question of abalone sentience remains scientifically open, but applying a precautionary approach to minimising potential suffering is increasingly advocated in aquaculture welfare literature.