Gilthead sea bream is one of the most important Mediterranean aquaculture species, with welfare science informing improvements in stocking density and slaughter practices.
Sea bream welfare in Mediterranean cage aquaculture faces challenges from crowding-induced aggression, handling stress during grading and harvest, and slaughter method variation. Growing regulatory attention from EFSA and national frameworks is driving improvements in stocking density limits, minimum water quality requirements, and slaughter standards. Consumer demand for welfare-certified Mediterranean seafood through labels like ASC certification creates market incentives for improvement across what is a fragmented production sector.