Live transport of European sea bass to premium markets raises welfare concerns from crowding, water quality, and temperature management during transit.
Live sea bass transport exposes fish to crowding, handling stress, and the risk of water quality deterioration during transit. Transport mortality is a direct welfare harm and an economic indicator of welfare during transit. Sub-lethal transport stress causes immune suppression and post-transport disease. Sedation reduces the physiological stress response during transport but requires careful dosing and recovery management. Welfare-optimal transport protocols minimise density, maintain water quality through oxygenation and temperature control, and minimise transit duration. Market development for humanely killed fresh sea bass as an alternative to live transport would provide better welfare outcomes.