Atlantic halibut farming is a growing industry with specific welfare challenges tied to this large flatfish's biology, including benthic behaviour, slow growth, and sensitivity to handling.
Atlantic halibut welfare in aquaculture faces specific challenges from their benthic lifestyle and stress sensitivity. Tank design must accommodate bottom-resting behaviour; inadequate floor space relative to population density denies halibut the ability to rest without competition. Halibut show prolonged stress responses after handling — cortisol remains elevated for longer than in salmon or trout, suggesting they are more stress-sensitive. Their slow growth rate means welfare conditions must be sustained over extended periods. Disease management, particularly the bacterial pathogen Vibrio, requires treatment procedures that cause additional handling stress. Welfare-conscious halibut farms prioritise low handling frequency, optimal water temperature, and adequate floor area per fish.