Atlantic halibut is one of the most prized farmed fish species, yet its welfare needs are among the most poorly understood in commercial aquaculture. Slow growth, specific environmental needs and sensitivity to stress create significant challenges.
The premium price of halibut drives commercial interest despite its difficulty to farm humanely. Welfare problems are concentrated in the juvenile phase, where density, feeding competition and cannibalism create chronic injury. Good halibut husbandry requires low stocking densities, regular size-grading, enriched tank environments with substrate, and careful handling protocols using anaesthetic where required. Consumer demand for welfare-certified halibut can drive industry improvement.