Transport of gilthead seabream from farms to processing or live markets involves welfare challenges requiring careful management protocols.
Seabream transport welfare requires balancing commercial requirements with fish welfare. Live transport to market causes acute and prolonged stress. Cooling water temperature reduces metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Sedation reduces stress responses but requires careful dosing. Overcrowding during transport causes fin and skin damage, physical injury, and oxygen depletion. Welfare-conscious transport minimises duration, provides adequate oxygenation, manages temperature within optimal ranges, and considers sedation for premium live fish transport. Market development for ice-slurry killed fresh seabream at farm provides better welfare than extended live transport.