Large sharks and rays in aquarium settings present significant welfare challenges related to space, turning radius, and the expression of natural ranging behaviour.
Aquarium shark and ray welfare requires honest assessment of which species can genuinely thrive in captivity versus those for whom captivity represents inevitable welfare compromise. Species with large ranging requirements, complex sensory systems, and social structures cannot have adequate welfare in aquarium tanks regardless of tank size. Touch pool interactions with rays cause documented stress responses that are difficult to justify. The most welfare-positive approach limits captive elasmobranch keeping to species with demonstrated adaptability and focuses conservation messaging on wild population protection.