Atlantic halibut are among the most difficult marine fish to farm successfully. Their complex biological requirements create significant welfare challenges that have slowed the development of welfare standards.
Halibut aquaculture presents unusual welfare challenges rooted in the species' biology. As ambush predators that lie motionless on the seabed, their welfare needs differ fundamentally from active-swimming species like salmon. Developmental malformations — common in poorly managed early life stages — cause chronic physical impairment. Cannibalism requires careful grading by size to prevent larger fish consuming smaller ones. Substrate and lighting conditions that match natural benthic habitats reduce chronic stress. Welfare science specific to halibut is still developing — the species' slow growth and complex requirements make it a challenging but important area for welfare research investment.