Shrimp is the most consumed seafood globally, farmed in enormous quantities, yet the sentience and welfare of these crustaceans has received very little scientific or regulatory attention.
The welfare of farmed shrimp is an emerging area of serious concern. Crustacean sentience evidence has strengthened in recent years, and the precautionary principle applies at massive scale given the billions of animals involved. Humane slaughter methods including electrical or iced water stunning can reduce suffering without major cost increases. Consumer awareness and industry certification schemes are beginning to address these concerns.