Atlantic halibut farming is a growing sector facing unique welfare challenges from this slow-growing, bottom-dwelling species specific biology.
Halibut aquaculture presents specific welfare challenges arising from the mismatch between conventional tank designs and halibut behavioural biology. As benthic fish that rest on the substrate, halibut need adequate resting space on tank floors rather than the water column space optimised for pelagic species. Crowded conditions prevent resting and cause chronic stress. The slow growth rate means animals are maintained in farm conditions for much longer periods than most farmed fish, magnifying the impact of any chronic welfare deficit. Welfare-appropriate halibut production requires species-specific tank design and stocking density standards that reflect benthic biology.