Aquaculture

White Leg Shrimp Welfare in Ecuador and Peru Aquaculture

Ecuador and Peru are among the world's largest shrimp producers and improving welfare standards for Litopenaeus vannamei across the production chain is increasingly prioritised.

Key Facts

Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of frozen white leg shrimp, exporting over 1 million tonnes annually
Peru's shrimp industry is growing rapidly in northern coastal departments
Both countries produce mainly for export to the USA, EU and China
Semi-intensive and intensive pond systems dominate production in the region

Welfare Considerations

Welfare concerns in South American white shrimp aquaculture include high stocking densities in intensive ponds, water quality fluctuations causing dissolved oxygen stress, aggressive use of antibiotics causing antimicrobial resistance, handling injuries during harvest, and inhumane slaughter by boiling or chilling without adequate stunning. EU market pressure and certification schemes are driving welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp certified under Best Aquaculture Practices or equivalent schemes
Ask retailers whether their South American shrimp comes from certified welfare-conscious producers
Support Shrimp Welfare Project initiatives in Latin American aquaculture
Advocate for welfare criteria in EU and US import standards for shrimp