Freshwater mussels and pearl oysters are used in aquaculture for food and pearl production, with growing debate about their sentience and whether welfare standards should apply.
The welfare status of freshwater mussels and pearl oysters is scientifically uncertain. Unlike cephalopods, which have complex nervous systems, bivalves have simple ganglia rather than centralized brains. Whether they experience pain or suffering in a morally significant way is debated. However, the precautionary principle suggests that implantation procedures and harvest should be conducted as humanely as possible. Wild freshwater mussel conservation is urgent regardless of sentience questions, as many species face extinction from pollution, damming, and invasive species.