Aquaculture

Whiteleg Shrimp Welfare in Intensive Rearing Systems

Whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei is the dominant global aquaculture species, with welfare considerations increasingly recognised by progressive producers and retailers.

Key Facts

Over 5 million tonnes produced annually, the most farmed crustacean globally
Intensive culture at densities over 100 animals per square metre is common
Monodon baculovirus and white spot disease cause catastrophic welfare and production losses
Eye ablation to induce maturation in broodstock is a welfare-compromised practice
Shrimp Welfare Project certified producers are a small but growing fraction of the market

Welfare Considerations

Eye ablation in broodstock females involves removing or crushing one eyestalk to induce maturation, causing injury without anaesthesia. High stocking densities cause chronic stress and increase disease susceptibility. Mass mortality events from disease outbreaks involve potentially prolonged dying for millions of individuals. Industry awareness of shrimp sentience is growing but practice change is slow.

What You Can Do

Support Shrimp Welfare Project certification standards and advocacy
Choose certified humane shrimp products where available
Donate to shrimp welfare research and advocacy
Advocate for eye ablation phase-out in shrimp broodstock management