Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Lighting and Welfare

Lighting conditions in prawn hatcheries and indoor production systems influence behaviour, reproduction, and welfare in farmed prawns.

Key Facts

Prawns are largely nocturnal and show increased activity in dim light conditions
Constant bright illumination causes chronic stress and alters natural behaviour patterns
Natural photoperiod simulation improves reproductive performance in broodstock
LED lighting with adjustable intensity allows natural diel light cycles in indoor systems
Lighting interacts with feeding schedules to influence activity and feed intake

Welfare Considerations

Lighting management is an often-overlooked welfare factor in prawn production. Constant illumination that disrupts natural diel activity patterns may constitute chronic stress. Providing natural photoperiod cycles in indoor systems is a low-cost welfare improvement with potential production benefits through improved natural behaviour expression.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certifications including lighting welfare standards for prawns
Advocate for natural photoperiod requirements in indoor prawn production guidelines
Choose certified shrimp from farms with comprehensive environmental management