Aquaculture

European Seabass Welfare in Cage Aquaculture

European seabass is farmed extensively in the Mediterranean and is an important species for welfare science research due to its strong stress response systems.

Key Facts

European seabass is one of the most important farmed fish species in the Mediterranean
Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy are the main producers
Seabass have well-characterised stress response systems making them important welfare research subjects
Crowding and handling cause measurable cortisol stress responses in seabass
Certification schemes are beginning to address seabass welfare in production standards

Welfare Considerations

Seabass welfare in cage systems is affected by stocking density, water temperature and harvesting practices. Their well-characterised HPI axis stress response provides measurable welfare indicators. High-density farming causes chronic social stress and aggression. Harvesting without stunning causes extended dying through asphyxia or ice immersion. European seabass research has contributed substantially to fish welfare science and informed developing welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Choose seabass from certified sustainable farms with welfare standards
Advocate for pre-slaughter stunning requirements for seabass in European regulations
Support fish welfare research using seabass as a model species
Reduce consumption of seabass from uncertified intensive sources
Engage with policy processes developing EU and UK fish welfare standards