Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Halibut Welfare

Atlantic and Pacific halibut farming raises distinctive welfare challenges due to the species' flat body form, light sensitivity, and social behaviour.

Key Facts

Halibut are benthic flatfish that rest on the seabed in the wild
Farm tanks must provide substrate and low-light environments to reduce stress
Halibut are highly sensitive to handling and stress-induced mortality
Skin pigmentation abnormalities are common in farmed halibut, indicating poor conditions
Breeding programmes are improving growth rates and disease resistance

Welfare Considerations

Halibut welfare requires species-specific tank design and management; generic fish farming approaches are inappropriate for this ecologically distinct species.

What You Can Do

Ask about welfare standards when purchasing halibut
Support aquaculture certification that includes species-specific welfare criteria
Advocate for mandatory welfare assessments in flatfish farming