Indoor recirculating aquaculture systems for barramundi are expanding globally, with welfare advantages from controlled environments but challenges from intensive conditions.
Welfare advantages of barramundi RAS include freedom from parasites and external disease, controlled temperature and oxygen, and reduced predation stress. Welfare challenges include high stocking densities causing chronic crowding stress, sensory deprivation in bare tank environments, handling stress during routine management, and power failure risks. Environmental enrichment and appropriate stocking densities improve welfare in RAS settings.