Welfare Science

Aquatic Invertebrate Sentience and Welfare

Growing evidence that crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates experience pain is prompting reconsideration of their welfare status.

Key Facts

The UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 included decapod crustaceans
Studies show crabs and lobsters show protective responses to noxious stimuli
Nociception (pain detection) is well-established; subjective suffering is debated
Boiling crustaceans alive is standard industry practice despite welfare concerns
Electrical and mechanical stunning methods can render crustaceans insensible

Welfare Considerations

Uncertainty about invertebrate sentience does not justify ignoring welfare precautions. The precautionary principle supports improved slaughter methods for crustaceans given increasing evidence of pain-relevant neurobiology.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from suppliers using humane slaughter methods for crustaceans
Support research into crustacean sentience and effective stunning methods
Advocate for welfare standards at slaughter for lobster, crab and shrimp