Halibut Welfare in Pacific Fisheries and Aquaculture

Pacific halibut face welfare concerns across wild fisheries practices and the emerging aquaculture sector.

Key Facts

Pacific halibut are among the largest North American flatfish, reaching 250 kg in exceptional individuals
Longline fishing for Pacific halibut causes significant bycatch of other species including Pacific sleeper sharks
Halibut caught on longlines may be on the line for 12-18 hours before hauling — prolonged exposure to hook stress
Deck handling of live halibut is dangerous due to their size and thrashing behavior
Farmed Pacific halibut face behavioral challenges from their territorial, benthic predator nature in high-density culture
On-deck iki-jime (brain spiking) provides immediate unconsciousness and improves fish welfare and flesh quality
Observer programs on longline vessels document welfare incidents and enable regulatory response

Welfare Considerations

Pacific halibut welfare in wild fisheries has improved in some respects through adoption of iki-jime killing by quality-focused fishing operations — the technique provides immediate loss of consciousness rather than asphyxiation or live well holding. The longline fishery still subjects halibut to prolonged hook stress before hauling that cannot easily be mitigated within current gear technology. Aquaculture welfare challenges mirror those of Atlantic halibut — territorial behavior, cannibalism risk, and slaughter welfare gaps. Consumer demand for high-quality, traceable Pacific halibut creates market incentives for fisheries that invest in humane handling practices including immediate killing after capture.

What You Can Do

Choose Pacific halibut from fisheries or processors that practice iki-jime or rapid killing methods
Support observer program funding that monitors halibut fishing welfare practices
Ask retailers about the sourcing and handling practices of Pacific halibut they sell
Reduce halibut consumption from fisheries with documented poor welfare practices