Atlantic halibut aquaculture faces unique welfare challenges from the species' large size, slow growth, and sensitivity to handling, with welfare issues concentrated in the demanding juvenile rearing phase.
Atlantic halibut welfare challenges begin at the larval stage, where specific prey requirements make rearing conditions critical. Failure to provide appropriate live prey during early development causes mortality and developmental abnormalities including malpigmentation and skeletal deformities. Halibut are extremely stress-sensitive, and handling for grading, vaccination, or treatment causes prolonged physiological disruption. The large adult size combined with sensitive stress responses makes tank and net pen design critical for avoiding repeated exposure to handling events. Spinal deformities, common in intensive rearing, cause chronic musculoskeletal discomfort.