Aquaculture

Welfare of Farmed Prawns and Shrimp

Shrimp and prawns are among the most farmed aquatic animals; their welfare in intensive ponds raises questions about disease, crowding, and inhumane practices.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture produces over 5 million tonnes annually
Eyestalk ablation — a painful mutilation — is used to induce reproduction
Crowded conditions cause high disease rates requiring heavy antibiotic use
Shrimp have nociceptors and show avoidance responses to painful stimuli
The Shrimp Welfare Project is developing welfare standards for this industry

Welfare Considerations

Farmed shrimp experience welfare harms from crowding, eyestalk ablation, and inhumane slaughter. Given the enormous numbers involved, even small per-animal welfare improvements at the industry level represent a large total reduction in suffering.

What You Can Do

Support the Shrimp Welfare Project and similar organizations
Advocate for banning eyestalk ablation in shrimp farming regulations
Choose shrimp certified by welfare-aware standards when available
Reduce shrimp consumption until welfare standards are established