Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Shrimp Welfare - Density and Disease

High stocking densities in shrimp aquaculture drive disease outbreaks and welfare compromise for billions of animals annually.

Key Facts

Global shrimp production exceeds 5 million tonnes annually
High density farming increases ammonia, reduces oxygen, and drives stress-related disease
Early mortality syndrome (EMS) has devastated shrimp farms across Asia
Biosecure facilities with lower densities show better survival and welfare outcomes
Shrimp show stress responses including antennae clipping and erratic swimming

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of farmed shrimp is poorly understood but the scale of potential suffering is enormous. Improving density standards, water quality, and slaughter practices for shrimp would be high-impact given the billions of animals involved.

What You Can Do

Support shrimp welfare certification schemes and researchers
Reduce shrimp consumption or purchase from certified low-density producers
Advocate for government welfare standards that include farmed shrimp