Gilthead sea bream is one of the most economically important farmed fish in the Mediterranean. Their welfare in net-pen and land-based systems is subject to growing scientific and regulatory scrutiny.
Gilthead sea bream welfare faces the typical challenges of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture: high stocking densities causing chronic stress and fin damage, limited water quality control in open net-pen systems, and slaughter practices that may not minimize suffering. Crowding causes cortisol elevation, immune suppression, and aggressive behavior resulting in scale and fin injury. Parasitic infestation by Sparicotyle chrysophrii (a monogenean fluke affecting gills) occurs in chronically stressed populations. Sea bream are sold fresh and whole in many markets, meaning slaughter is the terminal welfare event requiring most attention. CO2 narcosis is commonly used, but improper concentration causes distress before unconsciousness. Percussive stunning followed by bleeding is more humane and increasingly required by certification schemes.