Grey mullet are farmed extensively in Mediterranean and Asian systems and harvested in artisanal fisheries, with welfare considerations around handling and slaughter.
Grey mullet welfare in aquaculture and artisanal fisheries varies enormously. In well-managed systems they tolerate handling relatively well due to their physiological robustness. However, slaughter methods often involve live chilling or asphyxiation without prior stunning. The high value of female roe means females may be held until maximally ripe before slaughter, potentially extending the welfare-relevant captive period. As fishes demonstrably capable of stress responses, mullet welfare deserves consideration proportionate to their scale of production.