European sea bass is one of the most commercially important farmed fish in the Mediterranean. Welfare challenges include handling stress, parasite management, and slaughter practices that require ongoing improvement.
Sea bass welfare research has expanded significantly over the past decade, demonstrating clear evidence of pain sensitivity, chronic stress under poor conditions, and preference-based decision making. The Mediterranean sea bass industry operates with minimal welfare regulation compared to salmon farming in northern Europe. Key welfare improvements include adoption of electrical stunning at slaughter, optimisation of stocking densities, development of sea lice management approaches that minimise chemical and physical stress, and improved handling equipment that reduces mechanical injury during harvesting. Consumer demand for welfare-certified Mediterranean aquaculture products can drive industry adoption of these improvements.