Pacific whiteleg shrimp dominate global aquaculture production, but the welfare of these animals — particularly their experience of disease outbreaks and intensive confinement — is increasingly studied.
The welfare case for shrimp is developing rapidly as evidence accumulates that they have nociceptors, show avoidance learning, and display stress responses to aversive stimuli. The precautionary principle suggests welfare improvements are warranted given the enormous numbers farmed. Disease outbreaks in shrimp farms result in mass mortality from pathogens that cause tissue damage and physiological failure — a welfare cost in addition to the production loss. High stocking densities cause chronic social stress and reduced water quality causing respiratory effort. Preventive biosecurity, improved stocking density management, and humane handling during harvest are practical welfare improvements that also improve farm productivity.