Yellowtail (Seriola spp.) are highly valued sushi fish farmed primarily in Japan, with welfare challenges related to their active nature and sensitivity to handling.
Yellowtail welfare in aquaculture is challenged by the species' natural high activity level — these are powerful, open-water swimmers that experience significant stress in confined net pen environments. Handling for grading, treatment, and harvest causes acute welfare costs that are particularly severe in yellowtail due to their sensitivity. Stocking density management and minimizing handling events are the most important welfare interventions available. As global production expands to meet sashimi market demand, welfare standards need to develop alongside production scale. Japanese producers have the most experience and some have begun implementing welfare monitoring protocols.