European sea bass is one of the most valuable farmed fish species in Mediterranean aquaculture. Their welfare in net pens and tank systems raises important questions about fish sentience, crowding, and humane slaughter.
Sea bass welfare in aquaculture is compromised primarily by crowding, aggression, disease, and inhumane slaughter. Their territorial nature means that high stocking densities cause chronic social stress and physical injury from fighting. Disease outbreaks, particularly VNN, cause neurological symptoms and mass mortality events with significant individual suffering. At slaughter, the widespread use of CO2 narcosis — which research indicates causes distress — is increasingly criticized. More humane alternatives including percussive stunning followed by immediate killing are available and used by welfare-conscious producers. Consumer demand for welfare-certified Mediterranean sea bass is driving improvements in the better-regulated markets.