Penaeid prawns farmed intensively in Asia face welfare challenges from disease, stocking density, and harvest practices as sentience evidence grows.
Intensive penaeid prawn farming exposes animals to chronic stressors including high density, fluctuating water quality, and disease pressure. Evidence from behavioural studies suggests prawns experience nociceptive responses, though full sentience remains debated. The harvest process involving pond drainage and exposure involves conditions that would cause suffering if these animals are sentient. As evidence for crustacean sentience grows, welfare considerations should be incorporated into prawn production standards.