Mahi-mahi is being developed for offshore aquaculture in Hawaii and tropical regions, with welfare considerations for this extraordinarily fast-growing predatory fish.
Mahi-mahi welfare in aquaculture development faces the fundamental challenge of confining a highly active, fast-moving pelagic predator. Their exceptional swimming capability requires cage volumes substantially larger than those used for salmonids to avoid chronic frustration of natural behaviour. Handling during routine husbandry causes intense acute stress with prolonged hormonal recovery. The extraordinary growth rate, while economically attractive, may impose physiological costs that have welfare implications. As mahi-mahi aquaculture is developed, integrating welfare science from the outset — establishing appropriate stocking densities, handling protocols, and welfare indicators before large-scale commercial production begins — represents best practice.