Atlantic halibut are one of the most challenging and highest-value species in European aquaculture, with welfare challenges reflecting their complex flatfish biology.
Atlantic halibut welfare presents unique challenges at every production stage. The metamorphosis phase is a developmental welfare risk — incomplete metamorphosis creates malpigmented individuals with behavioural abnormalities. Juvenile cannibalism can devastate cohort welfare and requires intensive size-grading to manage. Mature halibut in tanks without benthic substrate show abnormal swimming behaviour and elevated stress responses. Their slow growth creates a long production cycle during which welfare must be maintained for years — a sustained welfare management commitment unlike faster-growing species.