Atlantic Halibut Aquaculture: Welfare and Sustainability

Atlantic halibut aquaculture is a small but growing sector with specific welfare challenges related to this large, sedentary flatfish species.

Key Facts

Atlantic halibut are the world's largest flatfish, reaching over 300 kg in the wild
They are slow-growing, taking 4-5 years to reach commercial size in aquaculture
Halibut are prone to skin darkening abnormalities when conditions are suboptimal
They rest on the bottom and require appropriate substrate for welfare
Halibut farming is concentrated in Norway and Scotland with relatively small production volumes

Welfare Considerations

Atlantic halibut welfare is influenced by their specific biological needs as a large flatfish. They require appropriate substrate to rest on, adequate space for their sedentary lifestyle, and careful management to prevent the skin darkening and deformities associated with suboptimal conditions. As slow-growing, long-lived fish, any welfare compromise persists for years. The small scale of halibut aquaculture relative to salmon means welfare research is limited, but the species' characteristics and welfare needs are increasingly understood.

What You Can Do

Choose halibut from certified operations with documented welfare standards
Support research into halibut welfare requirements to inform better husbandry
Advocate for welfare inclusion in all aquaculture certification frameworks
Engage with retailers about sourcing halibut from welfare-conscious operations