Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Stocking Density and Welfare

Stocking density in prawn farms directly influences water quality, disease risk, and behaviour - all with welfare implications.

Key Facts

Intensive shrimp farming uses densities of 150-300 animals per square metre
High density increases aggression, stress, and disease transmission
Lower stocking densities improve individual welfare but reduce profitability
Biofloc systems can support higher densities through waste management
Certification schemes like ASC include stocking density recommendations

Welfare Considerations

High stocking density is a fundamental welfare compromise in intensive prawn farming. Stressed prawns show impaired immunity and higher disease susceptibility. Reducing density is the most direct welfare intervention available, though economic pressures drive intensification. Certification standards that limit stocking density are a key lever for improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC-certified shrimp products with stocking density standards
Support organisations pushing for density limits in prawn welfare certification
Reduce shrimp consumption to reduce demand driving intensification