Aquaculture

Farmed Prawn Environmental Enrichment Research

Research into environmental enrichment for farmed prawns is at an early stage but explores whether structural complexity improves welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Prawns in the wild inhabit structurally complex environments with substrate and cover
Bare tank bottoms in intensive systems may impoverish the prawn sensory environment
Substrate provision in prawn tanks has shown mixed results on behaviour and health
Refuge availability may reduce aggressive encounters in crowded conditions
Research into prawn environmental needs is growing but conclusions are preliminary

Welfare Considerations

Environmental enrichment research for prawns is at an earlier stage than for fish or terrestrial livestock. The question of whether prawns benefit from environmental complexity has welfare implications if they are sentient. Precautionary approaches investing in substrate and refuge provision represent low-cost welfare improvements while evidence develops.

What You Can Do

Support research into prawn environmental needs and enrichment effects
Advocate for precautionary welfare approaches in certified prawn production
Choose shrimp from farms committed to welfare research and improvement