Aquaculture Welfare

Aquaculture: Halibut Welfare in North Atlantic Farms

Atlantic halibut farming faces specific welfare challenges from this bottom-dwelling flatfish's environmental and social requirements.

Key Facts

Atlantic halibut are large flatfish reaching 300 kg in the wild, but farming selects for smaller individuals
They are demersal - living on the seafloor - and require horizontal tank space rather than vertical depth
Cannibalism at high stocking densities causes significant welfare harm in juvenile tanks
Light management influences growth and welfare in halibut aquaculture
Halibut welfare research is limited compared to salmon despite growing production in Norway and Scotland

Welfare Considerations

Halibut welfare requirements differ fundamentally from round fish due to their flatfish body plan and demersal lifestyle. Tank design must provide adequate bottom area for all fish to lie simultaneously. Cannibalism management through feeding management, grading, and appropriate stocking density is a primary welfare requirement. The development of welfare standards specifically for flatfish species is urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Support welfare research specific to flatfish aquaculture
Advocate for species-specific welfare standards for halibut farming
Choose halibut from certified sustainable sources where welfare monitoring is documented
Learn about the species-specific welfare needs of halibut and other flatfish
Support sustainable aquaculture development that includes welfare as a core standard