Aquaculture

Black Tiger Shrimp Welfare in Aquaculture

Black tiger shrimp is an important farmed species in Southeast Asia facing welfare challenges similar to whiteleg shrimp, with additional concerns about mangrove destruction in traditional pond systems.

Key Facts

Major farmed species in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India
Traditional extensive systems used mangrove areas causing significant ecosystem destruction
Modern intensive systems use prepared ponds with water quality management
Eye ablation of broodstock females is a widespread welfare-compromising practice
Population declines from disease led to shift toward whiteleg shrimp in many regions

Welfare Considerations

Eye ablation to induce maturation causes pain and permanent sensory damage without anaesthesia. Disease-driven mortality events involve potentially prolonged suffering for millions of individuals. Intensive rearing at high density causes chronic stress. Mangrove destruction associated with pond construction removes ecosystem services including coastal protection and fish nursery habitat.

What You Can Do

Choose certified sustainable black tiger shrimp from responsible producers
Support Shrimp Welfare Project certification advocacy
Donate to mangrove restoration projects in shrimp farming regions
Advocate for eye ablation phase-out and welfare certification in shrimp aquaculture