Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Crab and Lobster Slaughter Welfare

The welfare of crustaceans at slaughter has received increasing attention following recognition of their sentience in UK law.

Key Facts

UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 includes decapod crustaceans including crabs and lobsters
Boiling crustaceans alive is a standard culinary and processing practice causing potential suffering
Electrical stunning systems for crabs and lobsters render them insensible before killing
The Crustastun device is commercially available for rapid electrical stunning
Norway has introduced mandatory humane slaughter requirements for crustaceans

Welfare Considerations

Crustacean slaughter welfare is an area where consumer and industry practice lags significantly behind emerging scientific and legal recognition of sentience. Adoption of electrical stunning before killing substantially reduces potential suffering at the point of death.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from suppliers using electrical stunning for crabs and lobsters
Support campaigns for mandatory humane slaughter requirements for crustaceans in the UK
Advocate for restaurant and seafood industry adoption of crustacean stunning equipment