Turbot Aquaculture Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Turbot is a premium flatfish farmed in Europe with specific welfare requirements related to its benthic lifestyle and territorial behaviour.

Key Facts

European turbot production is primarily in Spain, France, and Norway in land-based recirculating systems
Turbot are territorial bottom-dwelling flatfish that compete for resting space at high densities
Optimal water temperature for turbot is 14-16 degrees C, and temperature stress affects welfare
Fin erosion from fighting and abrasion is a common welfare problem in turbot production
Turbot slaughter methods including CO2 and ice slurry have variable welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Turbot welfare in aquaculture is affected by competition for resting space in circular tanks, temperature and water quality stress, fighting injuries, and suboptimal slaughter methods. Turbot are benthic fish requiring floor area rather than water volume for welfare assessment. High stocking densities prevent normal resting behaviour and increase aggression. Recirculating aquaculture systems allow precise environmental control but require careful management of water quality parameters. The welfare science for turbot is less developed than for salmon and requires investment to support industry improvement.

What You Can Do

Support development of turbot-specific welfare standards in European aquaculture
Advocate for welfare assessment requirements for all commercially farmed flatfish species
Choose turbot from recirculating systems with demonstrated environmental quality management
Support research into turbot welfare indicators and space requirement standards