Juvenile sea bass hatchery production has specific welfare challenges from intensive larval rearing, first feeding, and early size heterogeneity.
Sea bass larval and juvenile welfare involves some of the most complex welfare assessments in aquaculture, as welfare capacity in early larval stages is uncertain. The competitive feeding conditions during larval rearing create welfare disparities between successful and excluded individuals. Cannibalism during juvenile stages causes clear welfare harm. Water quality management at larval stage is especially critical as tolerance for parameter deviation is minimal. Welfare-focused hatchery management minimises stressors through optimal water quality, appropriate density, and regular grading to reduce size heterogeneity and cannibalism.