Bivalve welfare is scientifically uncertain but improving production conditions and handling protocols addresses the precautionary principle.
Whether mussels and other bivalves have subjective experience remains scientifically uncertain. Given this uncertainty, welfare-conscious production involves minimising handling trauma, maintaining water quality, and avoiding unnecessary stressors during harvest and transport. For many consumers, the relatively low likelihood of sentience makes bivalves an ethically preferable protein choice compared to vertebrate animal products.