Atlantic halibut aquaculture is growing in Norway and the UK. This in-depth guide examines the specific behavioral, environmental, and slaughter welfare requirements for this large flatfish.
Atlantic halibut are behaviorally specialized flatfish whose welfare needs conflict significantly with standard tank aquaculture design. Their requirement for floor contact — they rest motionless on the tank bottom, camouflaged — means that round or deep circular tanks with inadequate floor area per fish cause behavioral deprivation. Flat, shallow tanks with maximum floor surface area per fish provide welfare-superior conditions.
Light management is a significant welfare consideration. Halibut exposed to bright artificial lighting show chronically elevated stress markers and impaired immune function. Photoperiod management — providing dim conditions during resting periods and appropriate light intensity during feeding — improves welfare and reduces the chronic stress of inappropriate illumination.