Meagre (corvina) is a large marine fish increasingly farmed in the Mediterranean as an alternative to sea bream and sea bass, with distinct welfare requirements.
Meagre welfare in Mediterranean cage culture requires management adapted to their large size and stress sensitivity. They show stronger stress responses to crowding and handling than sea bream or sea bass, and their size means each individual represents greater welfare investment. Water quality management, particularly temperature fluctuations and dissolved oxygen, is critical. Electrical stunning before slaughter is feasible for meagre and addresses a key welfare-relevant processing step. Rapid market growth requires parallel development of welfare standards.