Aquaculture

Farmed Pacific White Shrimp Advanced

Pacific white shrimp production dominates global aquaculture shrimp output, with welfare challenges relating to density, disease, and slaughter methods.

Key Facts

Litopenaeus vannamei accounts for over 70 percent of global farmed shrimp production
Super-intensive RAS systems now farm shrimp at densities over 300 per square meter
Early mortality syndrome devastated global production after 2009 and welfare losses continue
Harvesting methods include drainage of ponds and direct mechanical harvesting with minimal welfare consideration
UK legislation recognizing decapod sentience does not yet apply to imported shrimp products

Welfare Considerations

Pacific white shrimp farmed at super-intensive densities experience chronic crowding stress with limited evidence of their capacity to suffer. The precautionary principle and growing sentience evidence argue for adopting more humane practices.

What You Can Do

Support development of welfare standards for Pacific white shrimp production
Advocate for importing country welfare due diligence requirements for farmed shrimp
Choose shrimp certified under schemes that address both environmental and welfare standards