Introduction
What is animal welfare?
Animal welfare refers to the condition in which an animal lives, taking into account its physical, mental and emotional health.
It is based on a number of criteria, including the ability to satisfy its biological, social and behavioural needs, while minimising suffering. In all animal husbandry practices, including aquaculture, it is essential to create an environment conducive to the well-being of the animals, ensuring their comfort and avoiding any form of unnecessary stress or pain.
Respect for animal welfare is not only an ethical issue, but also a crucial factor in the sustainability of production systems.
Animal welfare stakeholders
Experts agree on the need to protect shrimp: in 2018, an open letter from Crustacean Compassion, signed by 55 scientists, veterinarians, and professionals, called for better consideration of decapod welfare. Additionally, 41 animal welfare organizations believe these crustaceans should be included in animal protection laws. In 2021, the welfare of shrimp became a significant public issue, with 60,000 people demanding the inclusion of decapods in legislation.
That same year, the UK government commissioned a report on the sentience of cephalopods and decapods, further strengthening the scientific recognition of their needs. More recently, in 2023, Crustacean Compassion published a report highlighting the urgency of legislative reform to better protect these animals.
Although there is currently no specific regulation on shrimp welfare at the international level, several aquaculture labels and certifications include indirect criteria related to their well-being. Labels such as ASC, GlobalG.A.P., and BAP set standards for managing farming practices, such as water quality and population density.
However, these labels do not yet directly address shrimp welfare comprehensively, and many issues, such as eyestalk ablation and slaughter methods, remain largely unregulated.
This reflects the absence of strict, uniform regulation worldwide, although growing awareness and the initiatives of animal welfare organizations show a trend toward reform. This awareness site aims to address these issues by providing you with in-depth knowledge and practical tools to improve shrimp welfare throughout their lifecycle.