Welfare certification for shrimp is developing as scientific understanding of shrimp sentience advances. Progress in this sector has implications for billions of animals globally.
Shrimp welfare certification is at an early but critical development stage. The scale of shrimp aquaculture means that even modest welfare improvements implemented across the sector would benefit an enormous number of animals. Current gaps include absence of pre-slaughter stunning requirements, inadequate water quality standards, and limited stocking density guidance. Consumer engagement with certified shrimp products and retailer supply chain requirements are the most powerful current levers for accelerating certification development.