European sea bass is one of the most farmed fish in the Mediterranean, with growing welfare standards emerging in response to scientific evidence of fish sentience.
European sea bass welfare in Mediterranean aquaculture varies significantly between operations. Research demonstrates that sea bass show clear pain responses, complex social behavior, and suffer measurably from crowding, handling, and poor water quality. Net pen production in Mediterranean waters faces summer temperature challenges — water above 28°C causes thermal stress and appetite suppression. Crowding in sea cages during grow-out causes chronic cortisol elevation and immune suppression. Sea lice infestations cause skin damage and chronic irritation. Handling during grading and harvest causes acute stress that can persist for hours. Live chilling in ice slurry — the most common slaughter method — causes prolonged distress before loss of consciousness. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued welfare recommendations for sea bass that are beginning to influence industry practice.