European sea bass is a high-value farmed species in the Mediterranean. Welfare challenges in sea bass production include stocking density, handling stress, and the welfare implications of live transport to northern European markets.
Sea bass welfare science lags behind salmon welfare research despite comparable sentience evidence. The species' sensitivity to handling stress is well-documented, but practical standards for minimizing handling in production and transport are inconsistently applied. Live transport of sea bass across Europe for the premium restaurant trade involves extended periods in transport conditions that cause chronic stress. The slaughter welfare gap is significant: CO2 narcosis (considered poor welfare practice in salmon) remains widely used in sea bass production without equivalent regulatory pressure. Consumer awareness of sea bass welfare is minimal, creating an advocacy opportunity.