Crayfish aquaculture is growing globally, but welfare science on crustacean sentience raises important questions about the ethics of intensive crayfish production.
Crayfish occupy a similar position in welfare science as shrimp and other crustaceans — the evidence for sentience is building but remains contested. Research demonstrating that crayfish show anxiolytic responses to benzodiazepines and modify their behavior after noxious stimulation in ways consistent with pain experience has strengthened the case for precautionary welfare consideration. The practice of boiling crayfish alive is facing increasing scientific and ethical scrutiny — Switzerland banned boiling of live lobsters and crustaceans in 2018. As crayfish aquaculture expands, developing humane killing methods and appropriate holding conditions is a welfare priority that the industry should address proactively rather than waiting for regulation.