Farmed Shrimp Welfare Emerging Standards

The welfare of farmed shrimp - billions of crustaceans reared in aquaculture globally - is receiving growing scientific and regulatory attention as sentience evidence accumulates.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture produces over 5 million tonnes annually, mostly from Asia
Farmed shrimp experience stocking densities, disease pressure, and handling that create significant welfare challenges
Eye ablation - removal of one eyestalk to induce spawning - is a widespread practice causing demonstrable pain
Electrical and CO2 stunning before killing are under investigation as more humane slaughter alternatives
The Aquatic Life Institute has published guidance on improving shrimp welfare in aquaculture
Certification schemes including ASC are beginning to incorporate shrimp-specific welfare criteria
Disease outbreaks including EMS and WSSV cause mass mortality and suffering in shrimp farms

Welfare Considerations

The scale of shrimp farming - billions of animals annually - means that welfare improvements in this sector could benefit an enormous number of individuals. Eye ablation is a clear welfare harm that should be prohibited. Disease management, stocking density, and slaughter methods all require urgent attention as sentience evidence and regulatory frameworks develop.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp certified under schemes that prohibit eye ablation and include welfare standards
Support the Aquatic Life Institute's work on shrimp welfare in aquaculture
Advocate for eye ablation to be banned in all shrimp aquaculture certification schemes
Reduce consumption of shrimp produced without welfare certification
Support research into humane shrimp slaughter methods and their commercial viability