Shrimp aquaculture produces over 5 million tonnes annually worldwide, yet welfare standards for these crustaceans remain poorly developed despite growing evidence of their capacity to experience pain.
The welfare of farmed shrimp is complicated by scientific uncertainty about their sentience, but the precautionary principle argues for minimising potential suffering. Eyestalk ablation causes obvious tissue damage and stress responses. High stocking densities and poor water quality create conditions where suffering, if experienced, would be widespread. The scale of shrimp production means welfare improvements could benefit enormous numbers of animals.