Emerging evidence on welfare in aquatic invertebrates and what it means for how these animals should be treated in commercial and research settings.
Aquatic invertebrate welfare is at an inflection point where scientific evidence increasingly supports precautionary welfare protection for commercially important species. Decapod crustaceans show sophisticated avoidance learning, physiological stress responses, and behavioural flexibility consistent with pain experience. Translating this science into protective regulation and commercial practice is an urgent welfare priority.