Aquaculture

Shrimp Welfare and Global Supply Chains

Shrimp farming involves billions of animals globally with minimal welfare standards, emerging evidence of shrimp sentience, and supply chains with significant environmental and welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Global shrimp aquaculture produces around 5 million tonnes annually
Evidence for shrimp pain and stress responses has grown significantly
Stocking densities in intensive shrimp farms are very high with limited welfare standards
Disease outbreaks including EMS (early mortality syndrome) cause major welfare and economic losses
Shrimp Welfare Project is pioneering welfare research and standards development

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp welfare is a neglected but potentially vast animal welfare issue given billions of animals and growing evidence of sentience. The scale of shrimp farming means improving even one welfare metric could benefit enormous numbers of animals. Consumer and industry engagement is at an early stage.

What You Can Do

Support Shrimp Welfare Project research and standards development
Engage with shrimp welfare evidence when making seafood choices
Advocate for shrimp welfare to be included in aquaculture certification standards