Aquaculture

Shrimp Welfare in Aquaculture: 2026 Standards Update

Shrimp farming produces over 5 million tonnes annually and welfare standards for these decapod crustaceans are rapidly evolving following their inclusion in sentience frameworks.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture produces around 5-6 million tonnes annually
Whiteleg shrimp accounts for the majority of global production
Decapod crustaceans including shrimp were recognised as sentient in UK legislation 2022
High-density pond systems can cause significant stress and disease
Aquatic Life Institute has developed shrimp welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare improvements are urgently needed given the scale of production and growing evidence for decapod sentience. High-density intensive systems cause chronic stress, disease, and poor welfare outcomes for billions of individual animals. Consumer demand for welfare-certified shrimp and industry adoption of improved standards can drive rapid improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified shrimp
Look for Aquatic Life Institute welfare standards on shrimp products
Reduce shrimp consumption if certified welfare options are unavailable
Support campaigns for mandatory welfare standards for decapod aquaculture
Advocate for import requirements that include welfare standards