Gilthead seabream is a major Mediterranean aquaculture species with significant welfare challenges including high stocking density and net cage conditions.
Gilthead seabream welfare in intensive Mediterranean aquaculture is affected by high stocking densities causing social stress and fin damage, exposure to environmental extremes in open sea cages, and high cataract rates impairing vision. Harvest methods often involve prolonged stress from crowding before slaughter. Welfare monitoring for Mediterranean finfish species has received less attention than for Atlantic salmon despite comparable welfare concerns. Consumer demand for higher welfare standards could drive Mediterranean aquaculture improvement.