Farmed Animal Welfare

Farmed Halibut Welfare: Flatfish Aquaculture and Behavioral Needs

Atlantic halibut farming is growing in Norway and Canada, with welfare challenges arising from the species' specific behavioral adaptations as large, solitary flatfish.

Key Facts

Atlantic halibut are among the largest bony fish, reaching up to 300 kg in the wild
They are naturally solitary, bottom-dwelling fish that settle on substrates in the wild
Juvenile halibut have challenging early husbandry requirements with high early mortality rates
Crowding halibut causes fin damage, skin abrasions, and immune suppression
Norwegian halibut aquaculture has grown substantially as salmon alternatives are sought

Welfare Considerations

Farmed halibut welfare requires housing conditions that accommodate their natural substrate resting behavior and solitary preferences. Providing sufficient space and structured substrates reduces injury from conspecific interaction. Pre-slaughter stunning via percussive or electrical methods is increasingly required by European welfare standards. The value of halibut as a high-value alternative to salmon creates economic incentives for welfare investments.

What You Can Do

Choose halibut certified by aquaculture welfare schemes when available
Support research into halibut-specific welfare indicators and housing design
Advocate for pre-slaughter stunning requirements in flatfish aquaculture regulations