Aquaculture

Lobster Welfare in Aquaculture and Live Trade

Welfare science for lobsters held in tanks and traded live through the seafood industry.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Lobster welfare research has advanced rapidly — evidence of nociception and stress responses is now robust. Live trade welfare concerns include tank crowding, rubber-banded claws restricting feeding, and inadequate environments. Welfare improvements include individual housing, substrate provision, and mandatory stunning before killing. The UK has updated its sentience legislation to include decapod crustaceans.

What You Can Do