Atlantic halibut aquaculture has grown substantially in recent years. As a premium species, halibut farming offers opportunities to implement high welfare standards.
Halibut aquaculture faces specific welfare challenges rooted in the species' biology. As ambush predators, halibut are not adapted to the constant movement of schooling fish in strong currents — flow management must account for their preference for relatively still conditions. Cannibalism among juveniles requires vigilant size grading that involves frequent handling — a significant welfare cost given halibut's sensitivity to capture stress. The premium market position of farmed halibut creates the economic headroom for welfare investment, and Norwegian producers have developed relatively advanced welfare protocols. Slaughter welfare, including stunning before dispatch, is important for this high-value species and increasingly expected by premium market buyers.