Eyestalk ablation is the practice of removing one or both of a mother shrimp’s eyes by crushing, cutting, burning, or tying it off in order to speed up maturation and increase spawning. But it comes at a significant cost to shrimps’ health and welfare.

Mega Marine Pride has joined Shrimp Welfare Project’s Humane Slaughter Initiative, marking a historic milestone for ethical and sustainable aquaculture in Indonesia.

Shrimps are one of the most commonly consumed foods in the world, but as public awareness of animal welfare grows, a crucial question emerges: Can shrimps feel pain? Understanding whether shrimps are sentient not only impacts how we treat these creatures but also influences fishing practices, culinary decisions, and animal welfare laws.

An increasing number of retailers and seafood suppliers have committed to sourcing shrimps exclusively from producers who prioritize animal welfare. As consumer awareness grows, we expect this list of forward-thinking companies to expand, reflecting a broader shift toward more ethical and sustainable aquaculture practices.

Shrimp Welfare Project’s Humane Slaughter Initiative will have a broader global reach to improve the welfare of millions of farmed shrimps thanks to a new partnership with Apex Frozen Foods and Fisherman’s Choice.