Aquaculture

Farmed Halibut Atlantic Welfare

Atlantic halibut farming is growing but presents specific welfare challenges related to their solitary nature, territorial behaviour, and sensitivity to light.

Key Facts

Atlantic halibut are the largest flatfish, reaching 300kg in the wild
Captive halibut show significant aggression toward conspecifics at high densities
Halibut require specific light management - they are photophobic as adults
Spinal and jaw deformities are common in farmed halibut compared to wild fish
Halibut farming has very high energy and feed requirements relative to yield

Welfare Considerations

Halibut welfare in captivity is compromised by their solitary, territorial nature and sensitivity to conditions. High density rearing causes fighting injuries. Deformities common in farmed halibut suggest developmental welfare problems. The high energy cost of halibut farming also raises sustainability concerns.

What You Can Do

Choose halibut products from certified farms with welfare monitoring
Support research into halibut welfare assessment and improvement
Ask fishmongers about welfare and sustainability standards in halibut supply chains