Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Shrimp: Welfare Challenges in Intensive Production

Shrimp are the world's most traded seafood commodity, with intensive farming raising significant welfare concerns related to stocking density, disease and slaughter.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture production exceeds 5 million metric tonnes annually
Intensive ponds can hold 50-100+ shrimp per square metre, far above natural densities
Disease outbreaks (WSSV, EMS/AHPND) cause massive mortality and suffering on farms
Post-larvae shrimp often undergo eyestalk ablation to induce spawning - a painful procedure
Slaughter methods typically include immersion in ice slurry or dry icing without prior stunning

Welfare Considerations

While scientific consensus on shrimp sentience is still developing, precautionary welfare approaches are warranted given evidence of nociception and stress responses. Eyestalk ablation removes endocrine glands causing pain and disability. High-density farming increases aggression, injury and disease transmission. Industry leaders are beginning to adopt welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp products with welfare and sustainability certification
Support the Shrimp Welfare Project's work on better industry practices
Reduce consumption of intensively farmed shrimp as a precautionary measure
Advocate for inclusion of shrimp in national animal welfare legislation