Aquaculture

Turbot Welfare in Flatfish Aquaculture

Turbot farming is a growing sector in European aquaculture, but the species has specific welfare needs related to stocking density, substrate preferences, and handling stress that require careful management.

Key Facts

Turbot are benthic flatfish that naturally lie on the seabed, requiring flat resting areas
Optimal stocking density for welfare is typically 15-25 kg/m2 on flat tank floors
They are highly sensitive to poor water quality, particularly ammonia and low dissolved oxygen
Turbot can change skin colour to camouflage, indicating they are alert to their environment
Market size turbot typically requires 2-3 years of farming

Welfare Considerations

Turbot in aquaculture are often held at high densities with inadequate substrate, preventing natural resting behaviour. Without flat surfaces, fish may pile on top of each other, causing injuries and stress. Water quality fluctuations cause acute distress. Starvation periods before slaughter also create welfare concerns. Research into species-appropriate tank design and humane slaughter methods is advancing welfare standards in turbot aquaculture.

What You Can Do

Choose turbot products from farms with higher welfare certification
Support research into aquaculture conditions that meet turbot behavioural needs
Advocate for species-specific welfare standards in EU aquaculture regulations
Engage with sustainable seafood certification schemes that address welfare criteria