Gilthead sea bream is one of the most important farmed fish species in the Mediterranean with welfare considerations around stocking density, feeding and slaughter practices.
Sea bream welfare in cage aquaculture is affected by stocking density, social aggression, parasite load and harvesting practices. Their territorial nature means high densities create chronic social stress. Sea lice and other ectoparasites cause skin damage and discomfort. Harvesting without stunning causes prolonged dying through asphyxia or ice immersion. Improved welfare standards including pre-slaughter stunning are being adopted in some more progressive operations.