Hybrid striped bass are widely farmed in the US for food. Their welfare needs as active, predatory, euryhaline fish are largely unstudied despite significant commercial production.
Hybrid striped bass (white bass x striped bass) are the primary farmed striped bass product in the US. They are raised in pond systems, raceways, and recirculating aquaculture systems. As active predators, they require water quality and space to express their natural swimming behaviour. High stocking density causes fin damage and elevated aggression. Slaughter methods include asphyxiation and chilling — neither welfare-optimal — rather than electrical stunning. Interest in welfare standards for hybrid striped bass is growing as the species gains market presence.