Black sea bass is an emerging aquaculture candidate on the US East Coast, with welfare considerations for this naturally protogynous hermaphrodite in captive production systems.
Black sea bass welfare in aquaculture is challenged by the species naturally territorial and aggressive behaviour, which becomes exacerbated at commercial stocking densities. The protogynous sex change mechanism may be disrupted in captive environments, affecting social group dynamics. Crowding causes chronic aggression, fin damage, and stress that compromises immune function. As a reef-associated species with strong habitat preferences, the barren environment of aquaculture tanks may cause additional welfare compromise through environmental impoverishment. Developing welfare standards proactively as the industry develops would prevent entrenchment of poor practices.