Sea bass aquaculture in the Mediterranean involves welfare challenges from high stocking density, disease pressure, and inadequate slaughter practices.
Sea bass welfare in Mediterranean aquaculture is shaped by production pressures that prioritise cost over fish experience. The species is kept at densities causing chronic crowding stress, and disease management depends heavily on antibiotic treatment rather than prevention through welfare improvement. Slaughter without stunning remains standard practice despite scientific evidence of fish capacity for aversive experience. Consumer awareness of Mediterranean aquaculture welfare is low, and certification coverage is minimal. Welfare improvement requires both regulatory pressure on Mediterranean-producing countries and consumer market incentives through retailer procurement standards requiring welfare evidence from sea bass suppliers.