Farmed shrimp represent one of the largest volumes of aquatic animals produced globally. Growing scientific evidence of shrimp sentience is driving welfare reforms in stocking density, slaughter, and disease management.
The welfare of farmed shrimp is an emerging field with significant uncertainty but compelling reasons for precautionary action given the enormous numbers involved. Research on shrimp nociception shows avoidance learning, physiological stress responses, and wound-directed behaviour that are consistent with a capacity for pain. High stocking densities — often well above those seen in natural populations — increase aggression, disease transmission, and competition-related stress. Ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels in poorly managed ponds create chronic physiological stress. Eyestalk ablation of broodstock females is a widely condemned practice that causes obvious injury and distress for a commercially convenient outcome. Slaughter by live chilling or ice slurry without prior stunning may cause a slow, painful death. The Shrimp Welfare Project has developed an industry toolkit supporting producers in transitioning to higher welfare practices including lower densities and improved slaughter protocols.