Turbot aquaculture is an expanding sector in Europe with specific welfare challenges from benthic crowding behaviour, skin abrasion, and high stocking densities in tank systems.
Turbot present unique welfare challenges as benthic flatfish whose floor-resting behaviour means effective crowding is measured differently from pelagic species. High surface-area stocking densities cause skin abrasion, territorial aggression, and impaired access to feeding. Turbot exposed to rough handling during grading and harvest show sustained stress responses. As flatfish with both eyes on one side, their visual field and spatial perception differ from round fish, making standard tank designs potentially less appropriate for their specific behavioural needs.