Aquaculture

Atlantic Halibut Welfare in Norwegian Aquaculture

Atlantic halibut are among the most challenging fish to farm at high welfare standards, with specific requirements for sedentary flatfish behaviour and high-quality diet.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Halibut in turbulent, high-flow tanks cannot rest effectively, causing chronic energy expenditure and stress. Dominance hierarchies in tank culture lead to injury and growth heterogeneity. The species-specific requirement for high-quality diet including marine proteins makes sustainable feed provision challenging. Welfare improvements through low-flow tank systems, optimised tank design and mortality monitoring have reduced losses in better-managed Norwegian facilities.

What You Can Do