Abalone farming is expanding globally, but welfare science for these molluscs remains underdeveloped despite evidence of nociceptive responses and stress physiology.
While abalone sentience is debated, precautionary welfare principles suggest minimising likely suffering. Key welfare problems in intensive abalone farming include overcrowding causing competition for substrate and food, physical injuries from handling and tank scraping, temperature stress, hypoxia during transport, and poor slaughter methods that may cause prolonged distress. Best practices include appropriate stocking densities, gentle handling, chilling before slaughter to reduce nociceptive response, and maintaining optimal water quality. Welfare standards for molluscs remain a frontier area requiring more research and industry uptake.