Marine invertebrates including crabs, lobsters, octopuses, and shrimp are increasingly recognized as having welfare-relevant experiences. Evidence and ethics are evolving rapidly.
Marine invertebrate welfare is at a pivotal moment scientifically and legally. Evidence for sentience in decapods and cephalopods is now substantial enough to have informed UK legislation. While uncertainty remains, the precautionary principle supports treating these animals with welfare consideration. Practical steps including effective stunning before cooking and improved aquaculture handling align welfare behavior with accumulating evidence.