Research
Shrimp Welfare Project engages in numerous research projects, allowing us to investigate key questions and turn evidence into real-world solutions for the industry.
We collaborate with academic researchers, policymakers, and certifiers to catalyze evidence-based standards and fill the “welfare gap” in the scientific literature.
Ongoing & Recent Projects:
ASC Technical Working Group: We’ve participated in the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s shrimp welfare Technical Working Group since 2023, helping strengthen evidence-informed welfare requirements. In 2025, the ASC Farm Standard recognised electrical stunning as an acceptable method of stunning for shrimps. Read more
Wild-Caught Shrimp Welfare: Our Research and Policy Lead, Shannon Davis, co-authored Shrimp and Prawn Welfare in the Wild-Caught Fishing Industry (2025), synthesizing the evidence on welfare in wild-capture and mapping recommendations to reduce suffering at scale. Read more
Nephrops Study: We helped fund the design and sea-trial of the world’s first onboard stunning-and-tailing prototype machine for wild-caught nephrops (langoustines), supporting humane slaughter for decapod crustaceans. Read more
We’re also involved in confidential research initiatives with academic and industry partners to test and refine humane slaughter methods, generating more field-relevant data and developing practical solutions for producers.
Our Reports
Shrimp Welfare Index
The most important factors to good farmed L. vannamei welfare
This Index is an initial attempt to capture and address the most important factors to good farmed
L. vannamei welfare that are based on a review of the most current peer-reviewed literature.
Shrimp Welfare Report
Factors Affecting Shrimp Welfare in Aquaculture
This report aims to assess the importance of various factors for the welfare of farmed shrimps, with a particular focus on Litopenaeus vannamei, due to the scale and intensity of farming (~171-405 billion globally per annum). Where evidence is scarce, we extend our research to other shrimps, other decapods, or even other aquatic animals. Further research into the most significant factors and practices affecting farmed shrimp welfare is needed.
Consumer Attitudes Towards Shrimp Welfare
An exploratory research study
This exploratory study examines consumer attitudes towards the moral worth and welfare of shrimps and willingness to pay more for higher welfare animal products.
The Alternative Shrimp Market
Major Players and Investors, Challenges, and The Way Forward
This report provides an analysis of the alternative shrimp market, discussing its growth, current status, and the challenges it faces.
Vietnam Scoping Report
What are our findings after having visited eleven shrimp farms in Vietnam?
This report discusses the welfare of shrimps, why we chose Vietnam as a scoping country and our findings after having undertaken water quality measurements on shrimp farms and discussions with several stakeholders in the shrimp supply chain.
India Scoping Report
What are our findings after having spoken to more than two dozen stakeholders in the shrimp farming industry?
This report discusses the welfare of shrimps, why we chose India as a scoping country and our findings after having undertaken water quality measurements on shrimp farms and discussions with several stakeholders in the shrimp supply chain.
Shrimp Paste and Animal Welfare
An overview of the shrimp paste industry
This scoping study provides foundational information on the suffering of Acetes shrimps harvested for the shrimp paste industry.
Welfare and Profitability
Our pilot study for sustainable stocking densities
This pilot study compares two different stocking densities, showing that reducing stocking density does not translate to reduced profits in the same proportion.
This report also reviews the academic literature on stocking densities, finding that reductions in stocking densities improves water quality, reduces disease, and increases survival.
Supply and Demand Impacts
How a reduction in stocking density could result in fewer shrimp days on farms per year
This report estimates the effects of a reduction in stocking density on the total number of shrimps produced and the total number of days of animal suffering.
Find other resources that are useful for understanding Shrimp Welfare here.