European sea bass is one of the most commercially important farmed fish in the Mediterranean. Improving welfare at every production stage benefits both fish and industry sustainability.
Sea bass welfare challenges include chronic crowding stress, disease burden, and painful handling during grading and harvesting. High stocking densities impair swimming, feeding, and social behavior. Sea bass are capable of nociception and stress responses similar to other fish, making humane slaughter important. Water quality management — particularly dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels — is fundamental to welfare. Welfare certification schemes for Mediterranean sea bass are improving but remain inconsistent.