Yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) is a high-value aquaculture species in Japan and increasingly globally, with welfare science informing production improvements.
Yellowtail aquaculture welfare science is more developed in Japan than for many other Asian aquaculture species, partly due to the high commercial value that incentivises research investment. The species presents specific welfare challenges: as an active pelagic predator, yellowtail have high metabolic demands and space requirements. High stocking densities reduce swimming opportunity and increase social stress. Pre-slaughter crowding without stunning is common practice in traditional production but causes prolonged distress before death. The Japanese market increasingly responds to product quality arguments for welfare improvement — stressed fish produce lower-quality flesh, providing a commercial incentive for welfare investment. Best practice now includes live carbon dioxide stunning before slaughter.