Freshwater shrimp and prawns are farmed in large quantities across Asia. Their welfare in intensive aquaculture and the evidence for their capacity to suffer are important considerations.
Freshwater shrimp farming at high densities leads to aggression, limb loss, and chronic stress. Harvest typically involves draining ponds and collecting animals with nets — a process causing severe crowding and exposure to air. Post-harvest handling includes live transport in crowded conditions over long distances. Killing methods rarely include stunning — most freshwater shrimp die by suffocation in ice or are processed alive. The UK recognition of decapod sentience has not yet been matched by aquaculture welfare regulations for shrimp, leaving a significant policy gap. Wild-caught freshwater shrimp in developing countries are typically killed with no welfare consideration.