Aquaculture

Squid Welfare in Capture Fisheries and Research

Welfare considerations for squid as sentient cephalopods in fisheries and laboratory settings.

Key Facts

Cephalopods including squid are recognised as sentient in UK legislation since 2021
Squid have complex nervous systems and demonstrated pain avoidance behaviour
Jigging fisheries cause traumatic injury — a welfare concern given their sentience status
Research use of squid requires Home Office licensing in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Squid welfare is now a legally recognised concern in the UK following the inclusion of cephalopods in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. Capture fisheries causing traumatic injury raise welfare concerns. Welfare-informed fisheries research is investigating less damaging capture methods. Laboratory welfare standards for squid are developing alongside their recognition as sentient organisms.

What You Can Do

Support research into less traumatic squid capture methods for fisheries
Engage with the policy implications of squid sentience for fishing practices
Choose squid from certified sustainable fisheries that are developing welfare standards