European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a major Mediterranean aquaculture species. Welfare challenges include crowding stress, transport, and slaughter practices that are increasingly subject to welfare guidelines.
Sea bass welfare research has established that this Mediterranean aquaculture species has welfare requirements comparable to salmonids in terms of stocking density sensitivity, handling stress, and slaughter welfare. The Mediterranean aquaculture sector has historically had lower welfare standards than Norwegian salmon farming, but regulatory convergence through EU animal welfare legislation is driving improvement. Percussion stunning adoption for sea bass is a significant advance that could be accelerated through certification requirements. Consumer preference for higher-welfare Mediterranean seafood creates the market incentive for adoption beyond regulatory requirements.