Shrimp Farming Welfare Standards

Shrimp farming is one of the fastest-growing aquaculture sectors, but welfare standards for shrimp lag far behind those for finfish despite evidence of crustacean nociception.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture production exceeds 5 million tonnes annually
Intensive shrimp ponds hold up to 150 animals per square metre
Eyestalk ablation — removing an eye to induce faster maturation — is routine in some countries
Transport and slaughter of shrimp involves no welfare requirements in most jurisdictions
Shrimp Welfare Project is working to develop welfare indicators and industry standards

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare research is in its infancy compared to finfish welfare science, but available evidence suggests shrimp have functional nociceptive systems and show avoidance learning. Intensive aquaculture conditions — extreme crowding, poor water quality, ablation procedures — cause observable stress responses. The scale of shrimp farming globally means that even small welfare improvements per individual aggregate to enormous welfare impact. The Shrimp Welfare Project is pioneering welfare assessment and improvement in this neglected sector.

What You Can Do

Support the Shrimp Welfare Project through donations
Choose shrimp from higher-welfare certified sources where available
Reduce shrimp consumption given the absence of welfare standards in most production
Advocate for inclusion of crustaceans in aquaculture welfare standards
Engage retailers on their shrimp welfare sourcing commitments