European sea bass and gilthead sea bream are the dominant species of Mediterranean aquaculture, with welfare standards that have improved but remain inconsistent across producing countries.
Mediterranean sea bass and bream welfare has improved over the past two decades through better husbandry knowledge and disease management. However, significant welfare gaps remain, particularly around pre-slaughter stunning. CO2 narcosis before killing causes initial distress before inducing insensibility, making electrical stunning the preferable welfare option. Consumer demand for welfare-certified Mediterranean seafood and retailer commitments to require better pre-slaughter standards are the primary commercial levers for improvement in this sector.