Research into crayfish responses to noxious stimuli has important implications for their welfare in fisheries and aquaculture.
Evidence that crayfish have functional nociception and show indicators of anxiety-like states challenges assumptions that they do not require welfare consideration. Their use in research typically involves procedures without anesthesia or pain management. Culinary practices involving live boiling warrant reconsideration given emerging evidence. Regulatory protection for decapods is expanding in some jurisdictions.