Farmed prawns are produced in enormous numbers globally with minimal welfare protections, despite growing evidence that decapod crustaceans experience pain and distress.
Prawn farming operates almost entirely outside animal welfare regulation in most countries, treating animals that can almost certainly experience pain as mere commodities. The evidence base for crustacean sentience has strengthened considerably in recent years - prawns show nociceptive responses, avoid harmful stimuli, and show behavioral changes consistent with aversive experiences. The volume of animals involved makes welfare reform in this sector one of the highest-priority issues in animal welfare. Progress is beginning: some certification schemes are developing crustacean welfare standards, and there is growing consumer and industry awareness. Supporting these efforts is meaningful given the enormous scale of suffering involved.