Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) are among the most important Mediterranean aquaculture species. Their welfare in intensive farming systems is increasingly studied.
Sea bass and bream farming represents a substantial welfare challenge that receives less attention than Atlantic salmon, despite involving comparable numbers of sentient fish. The welfare profile is similar: crowding stress, inhumane slaughter methods, and handling-related injury. The solutions are also similar: density limits, behavioral monitoring, and humane slaughter technology. The WelfishMed project demonstrates that welfare indicator development for these species is feasible — the challenge is translating research into industry practice through certification requirements and consumer pressure. Mediterranean aquaculture welfare is an area where relatively modest interventions could substantially reduce suffering.