The welfare of aquatic invertebrates - from crabs and lobsters to shrimps and cephalopods - is receiving increasing scientific and legal attention. Evidence for sentience is growing.
The extension of sentience recognition to decapod crustaceans and cephalopods in UK law is scientifically justified. Evidence shows that crabs, lobsters, shrimps, crayfish, and octopuses have the neurological capacity for nociceptive and potentially affective pain. The practical welfare implications are significant given the enormous numbers involved - hundreds of billions of shrimps alone are farmed and fished annually. Welfare improvements could include pre-kill stunning, reduced holding density, and improved water quality in live transport. The precautionary principle supports action ahead of certainty.