Halibut are increasingly farmed in Norway and other northern countries, with welfare challenges from their unique biology as flatfish adapted to benthic life.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture is complicated by their specific benthic requirements and the relative lack of domestication compared to salmon. Providing appropriate substrate, low light, and appropriate social density for a bottom-dwelling species is technically challenging. Research into optimal rearing conditions for halibut welfare is less advanced than for more commonly farmed species. Consumer choice of welfare-certified halibut supports producer investment in welfare improvement.