Farmed halibut share the welfare challenges of other flatfish but benefit from enrichment approaches adapted to their bottom-dwelling, sedentary biology.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture requires attention to the species natural life history as a bottom-dwelling ambush predator. Tank systems that deny substrate and use high stocking densities create conditions mismatched to halibut biology, resulting in chronic stress and elevated aggression. Providing sand or gravel substrate panels that halibut can rest on, appropriate lighting that supports natural behavioral rhythms, and careful size-grading to prevent size-based cannibalism substantially improves welfare outcomes. The premium price of halibut relative to other farmed species creates economic headroom for welfare investment. Producers who implement behavioral enrichment report improved growth rates and feed conversion alongside welfare improvements.