Bangladesh produces giant freshwater prawns in traditional gher (flooded paddy field) systems. These low-density integrated systems have potential welfare and sustainability advantages.
Gher system freshwater prawn welfare is generally better than intensive pond systems due to lower stocking densities that reduce territorial aggression and crowding stress. The natural food base in flooded fields reduces dependence on formulated feeds. However, live transport to Dhaka and other markets involves prolonged holding in poor conditions. Improving post-harvest welfare through ice immobilisation or rapid slaughter at the farm gate would substantially reduce terminal suffering while maintaining the inherent advantages of traditional gher systems.