Atlantic halibut are farmed primarily in Norway and Scotland. As large, benthic flatfish with specific environmental needs, their welfare in aquaculture is challenging to achieve.
Farmed halibut welfare is complicated by the species' size, benthic lifestyle, and developmental vulnerabilities. The high rate of vertebral malformations and developmental abnormalities in halibut larvae and juveniles represents significant individual welfare harm - affected fish experience chronic pain and functional impairment. High stocking densities in tanks where large, aggressive flatfish compete for substrate space causes injury from biting and fin damage. The slow growth rate that makes halibut economically challenging also means welfare-compromising conditions are maintained for extended periods before fish reach market size.