Aquatic Animal Welfare

Farmed Abalone Welfare and Behaviour

Abalone aquaculture has expanded significantly in Asia and Australia, with growing questions about welfare requirements for these complex gastropod molluscs.

Key Facts

Abalone are gastropod molluscs with evidence of nociceptive responses
High stocking densities in abalone aquaculture cause increased disease incidence
Abalone require water temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius for optimal welfare
Escape behaviour and aggregation responses suggest some form of environmental aversion
Sustainable abalone aquaculture can reduce pressure on wild populations subject to intensive illegal harvesting

Welfare Considerations

Abalone welfare is at an early stage of scientific investigation. Precautionary approaches suggest that thermal stress, crowding and poor water quality should be avoided. Sustainable aquaculture reduces illegal harvesting of wild populations, providing conservation benefit alongside potential welfare considerations.

What You Can Do

Choose certified sustainably farmed abalone over wild-caught when purchasing
Support research into abalone sentience and welfare needs
Advocate for welfare standards in abalone aquaculture licensing