Turbot, a highly valued flatfish, is farmed in tanks in Spain, France, and China, but faces welfare challenges from high-density culture, aggressive interactions, and inadequate slaughter methods.
Key Facts
Turbot aquaculture is concentrated in Spain which produces most European farmed turbot
China has become the largest global producer of farmed turbot
They are benthic flatfish requiring high floor area relative to volume
Aggression causes fin and body biting injuries at high stocking densities
Water quality management is critical as turbot are sensitive to low oxygen
At market size of 1-2kg, they achieve premium prices in European markets
Welfare Considerations
Turbot welfare in aquaculture suffers from similar challenges to halibut: the species' flatfish body plan requires horizontal space rather than water volume, and standard tank designs poorly accommodate this. At high stocking densities, aggressive fin-biting causes injuries that become infected. Poor water quality events cause physiological stress and gill damage. Slaughter methods vary widely, with ice slurry remaining common despite welfare concerns. As a relatively recent farmed species, welfare-optimised production protocols are still being developed, and regulatory oversight of welfare standards lags behind salmon farming.
What You Can Do
Enquire about welfare standards when purchasing turbot from restaurants and fishmongers
Support fish welfare research through donations to Aquatic Life Institute
Advocate for EU and UK aquaculture welfare regulations to cover flatfish species
Choose alternatives to high-value farmed flatfish where welfare standards are unclear
Raise awareness about the welfare challenges of flatfish aquaculture
Support development of welfare outcome measures for flatfish species