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Bass, seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

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Common name - Bass, seabass
Scientific name - Dicentrarchus labrax
Rating
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  • 5
Farmed
Production method Open net pens
Production country Mediterranean, F, E, I, GRE, TUR
Production area All
Summary
In Greece, fish farming has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries and now accounts for around 50% of the European Union's production of seabass and seabream. Spain, France and Italy are also key producers. Seabass farmed in open net pens are a cause for some environmental concern. These concerns include pollution from both nutrients and organic matters that lead to environmental changes; escaped farmed fish; use of chemicals in production; interaction with local wildlife, sometimes including lethal predator control, and some concerns regarding regulatory controls. Seabass are carnivorous fish that require more fish in their diet that they actually produce, leading to a net loss of marine proteins and oils; the fish used to make their feed cannot be assured to be sourced from a sustainable supply.
Biology
Bass belongs to a family of spiny-finned fish called Moronidae, which are closely related to groupers. Bass breeds from March to mid-June, mostly in April, near the British Isles in offshore waters. It is a long-lived species, which may exceed 25 years
Production Information
Seabass are farmed in open net pens which allow for interaction with the surrounding environment and therefore have to be managed in such a way as to minimise negative environmental and ecological impacts. Negative impacts associated with open net pen aquaculture can include: escapes; nutrient and organic pollution and impacts on local wildlife.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.