Aquaculture

Farmed Shrimp Welfare Evidence Review

A growing body of evidence suggests farmed shrimp have more welfare-relevant capacity than previously assumed, warranting precautionary standards.

Key Facts

Shrimp show avoidance learning and responses to noxious stimuli
They have complex nociceptive systems with multiple receptor types
The shrimp farming industry produces over 4 million tonnes annually
Welfare standards specifically for shrimp exist but are rarely required by certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare represents one of the largest potential welfare improvements available given the scale of farming. If shrimp experience even modest suffering relative to mammals, their total welfare burden exceeds that of all farmed mammals combined. The precautionary principle strongly supports developing and implementing shrimp welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Support shrimp welfare research and evidence development
Advocate for shrimp inclusion in aquaculture welfare certification requirements
Reduce shrimp consumption given the unresolved welfare questions at scale
Follow Shrimp Welfare Project research and policy recommendations