Crabs are caught commercially in large numbers globally. Growing evidence on crustacean sentience raises welfare concerns about capture, transport, and killing methods.
The sentience evidence for crabs and other decapod crustaceans has strengthened considerably, prompting legislative changes in several countries. Methods of capture including pot fishing cause stress from confinement and crowding. Live transport in dry conditions causes physiological distress. Killing by boiling or splitting causes aversive responses before death. Electrical stunning before boiling represents a welfare improvement that is practical for commercial and domestic use. Consumer awareness of crab welfare is increasing alongside the scientific evidence.