Hybrid striped bass is a growing aquaculture species in North America with welfare needs that require specific management of stocking density, oxygen levels, and handling protocols.
Hybrid striped bass at high densities show elevated cortisol, fin damage, and susceptibility to disease. Dissolved oxygen depletion events in summer ponds cause gasping and mass mortality representing acute welfare failures. Transport and handling stress causes immunosuppression leading to disease outbreaks post-handling. Better welfare management reduces both animal suffering and economic loss through mortality reduction.