Atlantic halibut aquaculture is growing in Norway and Scotland. As large, active flatfish with specific behavioural needs, halibut welfare in intensive systems raises concerns about light, substrate, and stocking density.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture is affected by the mismatch between their environmental preferences and typical production conditions. As benthic (bottom-dwelling) fish, halibut are strongly motivated to rest on substrate — tanks without appropriate resting surfaces create chronic behavioural frustration. Light sensitivity means improper illumination causes stress that is measurable through physiological indicators. Stocking density management is critical because halibut can smother each other in high-density conditions. Handling during grading and health checks causes acute stress in a species that is generally reluctant to be disturbed. As a premium product, halibut aquaculture operates at smaller scale than salmon, potentially allowing more attention to individual welfare needs, but standards and oversight vary considerably between producers.