European seabass is the second major Mediterranean farmed species alongside seabream. Its welfare needs in cage and intensive systems are increasingly subject to research and regulation.
Seabass welfare in Mediterranean aquaculture shares many characteristics with seabream welfare but has species-specific elements reflecting its more active, predatory nature. Seabass require more space for swimming behaviour and show more pronounced aggression at high stocking densities. Their fin condition serves as an important welfare indicator, with dorsal and caudal fin erosion indicating crowding stress. Predator avoidance behaviours including response to shadows remain evident in farmed seabass, indicating intact sensory capabilities and potential fear responses. ASC certification and European regulatory frameworks are beginning to address seabass welfare alongside environmental standards.