Atlantic halibut are increasingly farmed in aquaculture systems. Their unique biology as flatfish with asymmetric development creates specific welfare challenges that require tailored management approaches.
Halibut aquaculture presents welfare challenges related to the aggressive territorial nature of this predatory flatfish. Injuries from conspecific aggression including fin damage and bite wounds are common at inadequate stocking densities. The unusual asymmetric anatomy of adult halibut also creates specific challenges for welfare assessment and handling procedures adapted from other fish species. The relatively small scale of halibut aquaculture compared to salmon and trout means that species-specific welfare research is limited. Developing appropriate welfare assessment tools and management guidelines for this species is a priority as production expands.