Flatfish aquaculture is a growing high-value sector in Europe. The unique biology of flatfish creates welfare challenges and opportunities that differ from more commonly farmed species.
Flatfish aquaculture welfare presents an interesting case where the species' biology creates different welfare challenges than those familiar from salmon or tilapia farming. As benthic species, flatfish require access to suitable substrate and appropriate depth for behavioral expression. Their asymmetric body form — both eyes on one side — reflects adaptation to bottom-dwelling that should inform tank and pond design. Pre-slaughter crowding stress is significant for flatfish, with behavioral and physiological indicators of acute stress during harvest. The premium market position of halibut and turbot creates favorable conditions for welfare investment — consumers paying high prices for luxury seafood may be willing to pay slightly more for welfare-certified product, making the economics of welfare improvement more favorable than for commodity species.