Aquatic Animal Welfare

Farmed Shrimp Welfare: The Overlooked Billions

Shrimp is one of the most widely consumed seafood products globally, yet welfare standards for farmed shrimp remain among the weakest of any farmed species.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture produces over 5 million tonnes annually
Shrimp show nociceptive responses and avoidance behavior to harmful stimuli
Eyestalk ablation, which removes a hormone-producing organ, is routine in shrimp broodstock
Stocking densities in shrimp farms are extremely high
Shrimp welfare is not covered by most aquaculture certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

The evidence for shrimp sentience is growing but remains contested. The precautionary case for better shrimp welfare standards is strong given the billions of individuals involved. Eyestalk ablation without anaesthetic is a welfare concern regardless of sentience uncertainty. The almost complete absence of shrimp welfare standards in global aquaculture represents a significant gap in animal welfare governance.

What You Can Do

Support the Shrimp Welfare Project working to improve shrimp farming standards
Reduce or avoid shrimp consumption given welfare uncertainty at scale
Advocate for shrimp to be included in aquaculture welfare certification schemes
Apply the precautionary principle when consuming seafood with uncertain welfare status