As intensive prawn aquaculture expands globally, welfare standards for Penaeus monodon and related species are increasingly recognised as important to sustainable production.
As knowledge of crustacean welfare grows, the aquaculture industry faces increasing pressure to demonstrate consideration for prawn welfare. Disease outbreaks in intensive systems cause mass mortality with significant welfare implications. High-density culture creates chronic stress conditions. Precautionary welfare standards addressing stocking density, water quality, disease management, and humane slaughter protect against the most significant welfare risks while science continues to clarify crustacean sentience.