Farmed Cod and Atlantic Halibut Welfare

Atlantic cod and halibut are increasingly farmed in Norway and Scotland, with welfare challenges related to their specific behavioural needs and susceptibility to handling stress.

Key Facts

Cod aquaculture in Norway has grown significantly following wild stock depletion
Halibut are slow-growing and require up to 4 years to reach market size
Cod are schooling fish that tolerate crowding better than salmonids
Halibut are benthic - preferring the seafloor - making net pen conditions suboptimal
Both species are susceptible to cataracts in farm conditions - a significant welfare concern
Viral and bacterial diseases are significant challenges in both cod and halibut farming
Stunning before slaughter is required for both species in EU markets

Welfare Considerations

Cod and halibut welfare in aquaculture reflects different challenges from salmonids. Cod are more social and tolerant of crowding, but still susceptible to disease and handling stress. Halibut, as bottom-dwelling fish, experience significant welfare compromise in net pens where they cannot engage with substrate. The high prevalence of cataracts in farmed halibut suggests nutritional or environmental deficiencies causing chronic visual impairment. Addressing these species-specific needs through appropriate tank design and husbandry is essential.

What You Can Do

Choose farmed cod and halibut from producers with welfare certification
Ask retailers about the specific welfare standards for these less-common farmed species
Support development of welfare standards tailored to benthic fish species
Reduce consumption of these species if welfare-verified options are unavailable
Support research into halibut cataract prevention and tank design improvements