Aquaculture

Black Tiger Prawn Welfare in 2025 Aquaculture Systems

Current welfare science and standards for Penaeus monodon in global aquaculture systems.

Key Facts

Black tiger prawn was the dominant farmed shrimp before vannamei superseded it
Still widely farmed in South and Southeast Asia in extensive and semi-intensive ponds
Larger size than vannamei — welfare research is applicable across penaeid shrimp
Disease management often involves significant chemical use — welfare implications are real

Welfare Considerations

Black tiger prawn welfare in intensive systems shares challenges with other farmed penaeid shrimp — crowding, water quality, disease management, and harvest methods. Semi-intensive and extensive farming systems generally create better welfare conditions through lower density and more natural water quality management. Welfare-informed certification is developing for black tiger prawn but remains less comprehensive than for commodity salmon or tilapia.

What You Can Do

Choose certified black tiger prawn from producers with documented welfare standards
Support mangrove-friendly aquaculture that avoids habitat destruction
Advocate for comprehensive shrimp welfare standards across all major farmed penaeid species