European seabass is one of the most important farmed fish in the Mediterranean, with welfare challenges including crowding stress, slaughter methods, and the transition from wild-caught to farmed juveniles.
Mediterranean seabass aquaculture has expanded rapidly with limited development of welfare standards. Aggressive territorial behaviour at high stocking densities causes chronic fin damage and stress in both dominant and subordinate fish. The live chilling slaughter method causes prolonged periods of consciousness and distress. Welfare improvements - including lower stocking density, structured environments that reduce aggression, and humane stunning - are available but not yet widely adopted. Consumer and retailer pressure is needed to drive adoption.