Barramundi is a popular aquaculture species in Asia and Australia, and improving its welfare in intensive farming systems is increasingly important.
Barramundi welfare challenges include size-grading stress, high stocking densities that increase aggression, and the risk of oxygen depletion in intensive ponds. Cannibalism among juveniles is a major issue requiring frequent size-grading, which causes repeated capture and handling stress. Research into optimal stocking density, feeding regimes, and anaesthetic protocols during grading can substantially improve welfare outcomes. Water quality monitoring is essential for preventing mass mortality events.