Black sea bass is an emerging target for US marine aquaculture with welfare considerations for this commercially valuable temperate reef fish in intensive systems.
Black sea bass welfare in developing aquaculture faces challenges from the species natural behavioural ecology. Territorial behaviour and protogynous sex change create unpredictable social dynamics in culture systems, with dominant males potentially harming subordinate fish. The species has received minimal welfare research compared to salmonids and other established aquaculture species. Developing welfare guidelines for black sea bass alongside aquaculture development, rather than retrofitting welfare after intensive production is established, offers the opportunity to create a more welfare-positive industry from the outset. Key welfare considerations include appropriate stocking density, social group management, water quality, and humane slaughter.