Atlantic halibut are a high-value flatfish being developed for aquaculture. As production scales up, establishing welfare standards from the outset is critical for this species with poorly understood needs.
Halibut aquaculture welfare is at an early developmental stage where establishing good practices matters enormously for the industry's long-term welfare trajectory. Juvenile cannibalism causes direct welfare harm through the infliction of injuries and death - and the management responses including high stocking density intended to reduce cannibalism may paradoxically increase crowding stress. The species' sensitivity to handling stress means that routine husbandry including grading and vaccination causes significant acute welfare impacts. Their flatfish physiology and bottom-resting behavior creates unique tank design requirements that are not always met. The slow growth rate means that any welfare compromise persists for years before animals reach slaughter. Early investment in halibut-specific welfare research will pay dividends in an industry that could otherwise repeat the mistakes of other aquaculture sectors.