Hybrid striped bass is an important aquaculture species in North America. Understanding welfare challenges in its production enables better management.
Hybrid striped bass farmed in intensive systems face welfare challenges from temperature stress, disease pressure, and handling stress during production. While welfare standards for this species are poorly developed, applying general fish welfare principles - density management, water quality optimization, and humane handling - reduces welfare impacts. Early adoption of species-specific welfare standards would prevent the need for later reform.