Spiny lobsters are transported live over long distances for the seafood trade - their welfare during transport and at point of sale deserves the same consideration as other crustaceans.
Spiny lobster trade welfare mirrors that of other crustaceans - the 2022 UK sentience recognition for decapod crustaceans provides legal basis for welfare consideration. Transport welfare requires appropriate water quality and thermal management across long supply chains. Overcrowding during transport increases mortality and stress. Point-of-sale welfare at restaurants and markets where live animals are held in tanks requires appropriate conditions. Pre-slaughter stunning should be used to minimise suffering at point of killing. Consumer awareness that spiny lobsters, like all crustaceans, may be capable of suffering is important for welfare-conscious purchasing decisions.