Atlantic halibut are challenging to farm and have specific welfare requirements related to their flatfish biology. Addressing crowding, light, substrate, and slaughter welfare is essential for this high-value species.
Halibut aquaculture welfare is shaped by the species-specific challenges of farming a large, laterally compressed flatfish in intensive tank systems. Their bottom-resting behavior is compromised in densely stocked round tanks without substrate, causing chronic postural stress. Jaw deformities that develop during intensive early rearing create lifelong feeding difficulties that impair welfare and growth. Aggressive feeding competition causes measurable injury to subordinate fish. Light management influences stress, normal behavior patterns, and developmental outcomes. Slaughter welfare for halibut has received growing attention as the species becomes commercially more important; electrical stunning before killing is feasible and represents the clear welfare-positive option. Consumer demand for certified welfare-positive halibut products can drive adoption of higher standards across this growing sector.