Red drum is a prized recreational and commercial fish being developed for aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico region, with welfare considerations for this active euryhaline species.
Red drum welfare in developing aquaculture faces challenges from the species active, shoaling lifestyle. Crowding stress in intensive pond or tank systems causes elevated cortisol and suppressed immune function. Handling during routine operations causes acute stress responses. Red drum tolerate crowding somewhat better than some other marine species, but welfare considerations including stocking density management, water quality optimisation, and humane slaughter practices should be established early in aquaculture development. The recreational angling pressure on wild red drum populations also raises catch-and-release welfare considerations, as red drum are commonly released and post-release survival depends strongly on handling practices.