Key Welfare Recommendations for Whiteleg Shrimp in Aquaculture
Crustacean aquaculture has grown dramatically over the past 20 years. In 2018, 9.4 million tonnes of decapod crustaceans were produced from aquaculture, which could translate to more than 600 billion individual animals. Very few seafood certification programs include crustacean-specific farming standards so we are seeking to establish welfare considerations for farmed crustaceans, using the 5 pillars of welfare discussed in our Welfare Guide. Four of the most influential certification schemes have incorporated our recommendations into their revised/pending aquaculture guidelines. Our success related to finfish aquaculture certification will pave the way for future welfare improvements in crustacean aquaculture. This work starts by engaging with international certification programs to consider, research, and implement crustacean-specific welfare practices.
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