Aquaculture

Senegalese Sole Welfare in Mediterranean Aquaculture

Welfare considerations for Solea senegalensis in intensive flatfish production systems.

Key Facts

Senegalese sole is farmed increasingly in Spain and Portugal for high-value markets
They are bottom-dwelling nocturnal feeders with specific substrate and light requirements
Cannibalism in juveniles is a major welfare and production problem
Diet weaning from live prey to artificial feed is challenging and welfare-relevant

Welfare Considerations

Senegalese sole welfare requires attention to their specific flatfish biology — bottom-dwelling, nocturnal, and sensitive to stress. Welfare management includes appropriate substrate provision, nocturnal feeding schedules, lower stocking densities than round fish, and careful management of the challenging live-to-artificial-diet transition. Cannibalism in juveniles requires careful size-grading.

What You Can Do

Support research into Senegalese sole welfare and nutritional requirements
Advocate for species-specific welfare standards in Mediterranean flatfish aquaculture certification
Choose Senegalese sole from certified producers with documented welfare management practices