Flatfish including halibut and turbot present unique aquaculture welfare challenges due to their bottom-dwelling nature. Understanding their specific needs drives species-appropriate welfare standards.
Flatfish welfare challenges are distinct from those of pelagic species like salmon because these animals require floor area rather than water volume as the primary space metric. When tanks are overcrowded by floor area, flatfish compete aggressively for resting positions, causing fin damage, scale loss, and chronic stress. Welfare assessment for flatfish should use floor-area-based stocking density limits alongside conventional weight-based measures. Handling trauma is a consistent welfare concern — gentle, net-free harvest methods and rapid stunning before slaughter reduce the welfare cost of husbandry and processing operations significantly.