Welfare of Animals in Commercial Crab and Lobster Fishing

Commercial crustacean fisheries catch and hold millions of crabs and lobsters under conditions that welfare science increasingly recognizes as causing significant suffering.

Key Facts

The UK became the first country to include crabs and lobsters in animal sentience legislation in 2021
Crustaceans are boiled alive in many food preparation contexts despite evidence of pain capacity
Live lobster storage in tanks under restaurant and retail conditions may cause chronic stress
Spiking and aquaelectric stunning methods are available for humane crustacean killing before cooking

Welfare Considerations

Crustacean welfare has gained significant recognition following scientific reviews documenting behavioral and neurological evidence for pain capacity in decapods. The UK 2021 recognition of crabs and lobsters as sentient beings represents the most significant recent welfare policy advance for invertebrates. Despite this, commercial fishing, live transport, retail holding, and restaurant preparation still routinely involve conditions and killing methods that cause suffering. Aquaelectric stunning renders crustaceans immediately insensible before killing and is commercially viable. Consumer and restaurant adoption of humane killing methods, combined with legislative requirements, represents the most achievable near-term welfare improvement for these species.

What You Can Do

Use aquaelectric stunning or spiking methods when cooking crustaceans at home
Advocate for restaurant and seafood retailer adoption of humane crustacean killing requirements
Support legislation recognizing crustacean sentience and requiring humane treatment
Choose seafood suppliers who have adopted welfare standards for crustacean handling and killing