Gilthead seabream is one of the most important farmed species in the Mediterranean, with welfare considerations including deformities, sea lice, and handling stress in sea cage production.
Seabream aquaculture is a major industry in Mediterranean countries, but welfare standards across the sector are uneven. Skeletal deformities linked to nutritional deficiencies and management factors cause chronic discomfort for affected fish. Sea lice infestation causes skin damage and irritation. Handling stress during grading, harvesting, and transport causes acute suffering. While welfare science for seabream is advancing, implementation of science-based standards across the diverse Mediterranean production sector remains incomplete.