Shrimp Farming in Southeast Asia: Welfare, Environment and Reform

Southeast Asia produces the majority of the world's farmed shrimp. Welfare conditions, environmental impacts, and labour standards in this sector require urgent reform.

Key Facts

Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia produce approximately 50% of global farmed shrimp
Intensive shrimp farming involves extremely high stocking densities in grow-out ponds
Early mortality syndrome (EMS) causes mass die-offs driven by Vibrio bacteria
Antibiotic use is widespread and often indiscriminate in Asian shrimp farming
Disease-driven mortality creates significant welfare harm before death in affected animals
Best Aquaculture Practices and ASC certification cover some environmental aspects but minimal welfare

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare in Southeast Asian intensive farming is almost entirely unaddressed in regulation or certification. Densities that would cause suffering in vertebrates are applied to animals whose sentience evidence has strengthened considerably. Disease outbreaks cause mass suffering before mortality. The welfare case for improved stocking standards, disease management, and humane slaughter is growing. International certification schemes that reach into Southeast Asian supply chains are the most feasible route to welfare improvement at scale.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC or BAP certified shrimp with documented welfare components
Reduce shrimp consumption or shift to species with stronger welfare credentials
Advocate for international retailers to require welfare standards in Southeast Asian shrimp supply chains