Shrimp Welfare Certification Progress

Shrimp welfare certification is an emerging field in aquaculture standards, with organisations beginning to develop specific welfare indicators for one of the world's most consumed seafood products.

Key Facts

Farmed shrimp is one of the most traded seafood commodities globally, with production exceeding 5 million tonnes annually
The Shrimp Welfare Project has developed a framework identifying key welfare indicators for farmed shrimp
Current certification schemes like BAP and ASC address environmental and food safety but minimally address animal welfare
Eyestalk ablation - a painful mutilation - remains a widespread practice in shrimp hatcheries globally
Some premium shrimp producers are adopting ablation-free production as a welfare and market differentiation strategy

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare certification is at an early stage of development compared to standards for terrestrial farmed animals. The scientific evidence for shrimp sentience, while growing, remains less definitive than for vertebrates, but the precautionary principle justifies welfare attention given shrimp production volumes. The Shrimp Welfare Project is working with producers, retailers, and certifiers to develop practical welfare improvements including elimination of eyestalk ablation, improved handling during harvest, and optimised water quality parameters. Consumer demand for certified products is an important lever for driving adoption of welfare improvements across the shrimp supply chain.

What You Can Do

Look for shrimp certified to BAP 4-star or ASC standards when purchasing
Ask retailers and restaurants about shrimp welfare standards and sourcing
Support the Shrimp Welfare Project's work developing welfare indicators for farmed shrimp
Advocate for inclusion of shrimp welfare requirements in major certification schemes
Learn about the scientific debate on shrimp sentience and apply the precautionary principle