Gilthead sea bream is one of the most farmed fish species in the Mediterranean, and its stress responses are relatively well-studied compared to other aquaculture species.
Sea bream are considered sentient fish with capacity for pain and suffering. Chronic stress from high stocking density suppresses immune function and increases disease susceptibility. Handling during grading and transport causes acute cortisol spikes. Rapid temperature changes cause thermal shock. Humane slaughter methods including electrical stunning or percussive stun followed by gill cut are available and should be mandatory. Welfare indicators for sea bream in commercial aquaculture are now increasingly used in certification schemes.