Abalone are highly valued marine snails farmed in several countries. Their welfare in aquaculture is increasingly scrutinized as evidence of their sentience and stress responses grows.
The welfare status of abalone in aquaculture has received little formal attention, but the evidence base for their capacity to suffer is growing. High stocking densities cause physical damage from crowding and competition for substrate, while poor water quality triggers stress behaviors and impairs immune function. Temperature fluctuations outside the optimal range cause acute distress and increase disease susceptibility. Disease management often relies heavily on chemicals that may themselves cause suffering. Best-practice abalone aquaculture emphasizes low stocking density, high water flow, consistent temperature management, and natural algal diets that promote normal grazing behavior.