Aquaculture Welfare

Aquaculture Welfare and Biosecure Shrimp

Biosecure shrimp farming approaches reduce disease-related welfare harm while improving sustainability. Understanding biosecure systems helps consumers identify more welfare-positive products.

Key Facts

Shrimp disease including early mortality syndrome (EMS) causes major welfare and production losses
Biosecure systems including covered raceways prevent pathogen introduction
Pacific white shrimp farmed in controlled environments have lower disease burden
Density management in biosecure systems reduces stress and disease risk
Certification schemes for biosecure shrimp are emerging but coverage is limited

Welfare Considerations

Disease in shrimp farming causes significant welfare harm through distress, suffering, and mortality. Biosecure production systems that prevent disease introduction reduce this welfare burden substantially.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp from certified biosecure systems where available
Support organisations working on shrimp welfare and biosecure production standards
Learn about shrimp sentience and welfare in aquaculture
Advocate for welfare standards to be included in shrimp certification schemes