Aquaculture

Farmed Shrimp Welfare and Certification

Shrimp are the most widely consumed seafood globally. Welfare conditions in shrimp farming vary enormously and certification schemes are developing to address welfare alongside sustainability.

Key Facts

World shrimp aquaculture production exceeds 5 million tonnes annually with most from Southeast Asia
Shrimp show behavioral responses to noxious stimuli that may indicate pain experience
High density in shrimp ponds is associated with increased disease and stress-related mortality
The Best Aquaculture Practices certification includes some shrimp welfare criteria covering handling and density

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare sits at the intersection of scale, uncertainty, and evidence. The sheer number of farmed shrimp means even small probability of welfare-relevant experience translates to enormous welfare stakes. Better management practices including lower densities, improved biosecurity, and reduced handling stress improve both welfare outcomes and production performance. Consumer pressure for certified shrimp is among the most practical welfare actions available.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp certified by Best Aquaculture Practices or equivalent schemes with welfare criteria
Ask retailers and restaurants about the welfare standards of their shrimp suppliers
Reduce shrimp consumption if welfare-certified options are unavailable
Support research into shrimp welfare to inform more evidence-based management standards