Atlantic halibut farming is a growing high-value aquaculture sector where welfare challenges around early rearing, stocking density, and handling require specific management attention.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture has unique characteristics compared to more commonly discussed species. As benthic fish spending most time resting on substrate, their space requirements should be assessed on floor area rather than water volume. High-density production that may appear acceptable volumetrically can severely restrict the floor space available for normal resting behavior. Handling stress in halibut causes extreme cortisol responses, indicating high sensitivity to disturbance. The developing nature of the halibut aquaculture industry creates both an opportunity and a responsibility to establish welfare standards from the outset rather than retrofitting them onto established problematic practices.