White Shrimp Welfare in Global Aquaculture

Litopenaeus vannamei Pacific white shrimp is the most widely farmed species globally. Systemic welfare improvement across its vast production footprint would have enormous impact.

Key Facts

White shrimp production exceeds 5 million tonnes globally, primarily in Asia and Latin America
Super-intensive RAS production can reach stocking densities of 500 shrimp per square metre
Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) and other diseases cause catastrophic mortality events
Eyestalk ablation of broodstock females remains widespread despite welfare concerns
ASC and BAP certification covers a growing proportion of production but welfare criteria remain limited

Welfare Considerations

White shrimp welfare improvements at scale would reduce suffering for an enormous number of individual animals. Eyestalk ablation causing painful removal of neuroendocrine tissue is performed on millions of broodstock females annually. Super-intensive stocking causes chronic crowding stress. Disease-related mass mortalities represent acute welfare emergencies. The Shrimp Welfare Project is working with the industry to identify practical, affordable welfare improvements. Consumer demand for certified products with meaningful welfare criteria drives commercial adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose Shrimp Welfare Project-aligned or ASC-certified white shrimp products
Support the Shrimp Welfare Project financially for industry welfare improvement work
Ask retailers about eyestalk ablation policies in their white shrimp supply chains
Advocate for eyestalk ablation prohibition in global shrimp certification standards