Aquaculture

Farmed Shrimp Eyestalk Ablation

Eyestalk ablation - removal of one eye - is routinely used to accelerate reproduction in farmed shrimp, raising serious welfare concerns about pain and suffering.

Key Facts

Eyestalk ablation induces maturation in female broodstock shrimp by removing hormonal suppression
The practice involves crushing or cutting the eyestalk without anaesthesia
Shrimp have nociceptors and show avoidance responses indicating capacity for pain
Alternative hormonal methods are being researched but not yet commercially adopted
Some certification schemes now prohibit eyestalk ablation as a welfare condition

Welfare Considerations

Eyestalk ablation causes acute and likely chronic pain in animals that appear capable of suffering. Industry transition to non-ablation methods is urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Choose certified shrimp products that prohibit eyestalk ablation
Support certification schemes requiring welfare standards in shrimp farming
Advocate for research funding into hormone-based maturation alternatives
Raise awareness of shrimp welfare in seafood purchasing decisions