European sea bass is one of the Mediterranean's most important farmed fish. Welfare varies considerably between intensive cage systems and higher-welfare alternatives.
Sea bass welfare varies dramatically across production systems. Extensive lagoon systems provide large spaces and near-natural conditions with minimal intervention — welfare outcomes are generally good but production is limited and variable. Intensive sea cage systems at commercial densities cause chronic crowding stress, fin damage, and handling stress during grading and harvest. RAS land-based systems offer precise water quality control but typically involve higher densities and constant mechanical noise. Pre-slaughter welfare is a significant concern — CO2 stunning followed by bleeding is standard but the time to insensibility with CO2 is associated with aversion responses. Electrical stunning offers faster insensibility. Mediterranean aquaculture regulation is less comprehensive than northern European standards, creating welfare gaps that certification schemes like RSPCA Assured partially address for premium markets.