Atlantic halibut aquaculture is a growing premium seafood sector with welfare challenges specific to this large, bottom-dwelling flatfish. Understanding their needs helps drive better farming standards.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture requires understanding their unique behavioral ecology as bottom-dwelling ambush predators. Unlike open-water species such as salmon, halibut require tank designs with adequate floor area relative to fish density. Crowding forces fish from the substrate into open water — a chronically stressful situation for a bottom-preferring species. Handling causes significant acute stress responses. Welfare improvements include floor-area-based stocking limits rather than weight-based limits, gentle net-based handling systems, and effective percussion or electrical stunning before slaughter. As a premium product in discerning markets, halibut welfare certification is commercially achievable.