European sea bass is a premium aquaculture species farmed extensively in the Mediterranean, with welfare challenges centred on stocking density and handling stress.
Sea bass welfare in Mediterranean cage systems is compromised by high stocking densities, handling frequency and disease pressure. Viral nervous necrosis causes severe neurological disease and mass mortality in juvenile sea bass. Crowding stress suppresses immune function, increasing susceptibility. Inhumane slaughter methods — live chilling in seawater ice slurries — remain common. Consumer demand for certified product is a key driver for welfare improvement.