Abalone aquaculture is a significant industry in South Africa, Australia, and Asia, raising questions about the welfare needs of these slow-growing marine molluscs as production intensifies.
The welfare status of abalone is genuinely uncertain given their simple nervous systems, but the precautionary principle suggests minimising adverse conditions. Disease outbreaks represent the most significant welfare concern - infected abalone show visible distress and mass mortality. High stocking densities promote disease spread and may cause chronic stress reflected in suppressed immune function. Providing adequate algal food, appropriate water flow, and suitable substrate addresses the environmental needs these animals clearly respond to.