Norway Lobster (Langoustine) Welfare in Trawl Fisheries

Key Facts

• Norway lobsters are the most commercially important crustacean in European waters by value
• Beam and otter trawl capture causes physical damage to carapace, claws, and antennae from the trawl
• Live langoustines are prized in premium markets, requiring welfare-conscious transport and holding
• The UK recently included decapod crustaceans in animal welfare law, recognizing their capacity for pain
• Pre-slaughter chilling before splitting or boiling is now recommended as best practice in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Norway lobster welfare has moved into legal focus following the UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 which includes decapod crustaceans. Trawl damage causes significant physical injuries including antenna loss, carapace fracture, and claw damage. Live transport in inadequate conditions causes physiological stress measurable through hemolymph lactate. Pre-slaughter welfare is the most tractable improvement — chilling in iced water followed by splitting or spiking, rather than live boiling without prior stunning, represents a meaningful welfare improvement that is increasingly expected by UK retailers and restaurants.

What You Can Do

• Choose langoustines from suppliers who chill before slaughter as standard practice
• Support UK Food Standards Agency guidance on crustacean welfare in catering and retail
• Advocate for pre-slaughter chilling requirements to be extended to commercial processing operations
• Engage with fishing industry organizations developing handling guidelines to minimize trawl damage in live langoustine fisheries
• Support research into optimal live holding and transport conditions for Norway lobsters