Welfare considerations specific to Atlantic halibut in aquaculture and the emerging standards for this premium farmed species.
Atlantic halibut aquaculture welfare requires recognition of the species specific biological characteristics: as naturally solitary, benthic fish with exceptionally sensitive stress responses, they have needs that differ significantly from schooling pelagic species. High stocking densities create aggression and feeding competition that contradict the territorial nature of wild halibut. Their prolonged stress response to handling means that routine husbandry procedures including grading and vaccination must be managed with particular care to minimize cortisol elevation and associated immune suppression. Tank design that provides adequate depth for benthic resting and appropriate lighting levels for a deep-water species further shapes welfare outcomes. The premium price of halibut in markets provides producer incentive to invest in welfare improvements that protect product quality alongside animal wellbeing.