Global Shrimp Welfare: 2025 Progress Report

Key Welfare Facts

Global shrimp production exceeds 6 million tonnes annually, making welfare improvements affect billions of individuals.
ASC shrimp certification has expanded to cover 15% of global production in 2025, up from 5% in 2020.
Major supermarkets have committed to sourcing certified shrimp only, driving significant supply chain pressure.
Eyestalk ablation ban advocacy has intensified, with some premium producers voluntarily eliminating the practice.
Disease management improvements have reduced antibiotic use per tonne in certified production systems significantly.
Welfare research specific to penaeids has increased substantially, providing better husbandry guidance since 2022.

Welfare Assessment

Global shrimp welfare in 2025 reflects meaningful but insufficient progress. Consumer purchasing power directed at certified products and continued advocacy for regulatory improvements drives the market-based welfare improvement needed at this enormous scale.

What You Can Do

Consistently choose ASC-certified shrimp products to support welfare-advancing market incentives
Advocate with retailers to strengthen and enforce certified shrimp sourcing policies
Support campaigns for regulatory bans on eyestalk ablation in major shrimp producing nations
Engage with professional bodies and food service operators about shrimp welfare standards in catering