Aquaculture

Farmed Shrimp Welfare: Global Production and Humane Slaughter

Overview of farmed shrimp welfare across global production, from stocking density to slaughter.

Key Facts

Over 4 million tonnes of shrimp are farmed annually, primarily in Asia
Stocking density affects shrimp welfare through aggression, disease, and water quality
Slaughter methods for shrimp are largely without welfare standards
Evidence for shrimp sentience and pain capacity is growing but contested
Shrimp Welfare Project is leading evidence-based welfare standard development

Welfare Considerations

Farmed shrimp welfare represents one of the largest animal welfare challenges in aquaculture by numbers of individuals. High stocking densities, disease pressure, and largely absence of welfare standards at slaughter mean billions of shrimp may experience poor welfare. The Shrimp Welfare Project is developing evidence-based standards and working with producers. Consumer pressure through certification can drive progress.

What You Can Do

Follow Shrimp Welfare Project for research and certification developments
Choose shrimp products from sources with welfare commitments where available
Support animal welfare organisations working on aquatic invertebrate welfare science