Atlantic halibut farming is a growing industry with specific welfare challenges related to the species unique biology, slow growth, and sensitivity to handling and crowding stress.
Farmed halibut welfare requires careful management across a very long production cycle. The species sensitivity to disturbance means routine husbandry procedures generate repeated stress responses unless carried out with minimal disruption. Overcrowding causes both chronic stress and physical injury from inter-fish aggression. The challenging juvenile phase, during which halibut undergo metamorphosis from symmetrical to flatfish body form, involves significant welfare risk from cannibalism and handling sensitivity. Welfare-positive halibut farming requires low-density rearing, species-appropriate handling protocols, and tank environments that match natural light and substrate preferences.