Live prawn transport for high-value markets involves significant welfare challenges from density, temperature, and oxygen management during transit.
Live prawn transport subjects animals to crowding, temperature fluctuation, and water quality decline throughout the transit period. Evidence for prawn nociception means that the suffering potential during transport matters morally. High mortality during transport represents both welfare harm and economic loss. Welfare-conscious live transport protocols minimise density, maintain temperature in the optimal range, provide adequate oxygenation, and minimise transit duration. Market development for humanely harvested and rapidly killed prawns as an alternative to live trade would provide better welfare outcomes for the majority of prawns in premium markets.