European sea bass is one of the most farmed fish in the Mediterranean. Welfare challenges include crowding stress, sea lice, handling during grading, and slaughter practices in large offshore cage systems.
Atlantic sea bass welfare in net-pen aquaculture is a growing concern among European regulators and welfare scientists. High stocking densities suppress immune function, increase aggression, and cause fin erosion. Grading by mechanical crowding and pumping causes physical injury and acute stress. The most significant welfare issue at end-of-life is slaughter — ice slurry immersion without stunning extends the period of consciousness during asphyxiation. Percussive stunning, electrical stunning, or CO2 narcosis prior to slaughter are welfare improvements being adopted by premium producers. EU aquaculture welfare regulations are under revision, with sea bass included in proposed species-specific standards. Consumers buying Mediterranean sea bass from certified higher-welfare sources incentivise industry improvement.