What constitutes good welfare for farmed crustaceans and mollusks?

Context and Importance:

The welfare of farmed crustaceans and mollusks remains an under-researched area within animal welfare science. Although there is emerging evidence suggesting that crustaceans may possess sentience, their welfare is often overlooked in farming practices. Understanding what constitutes good welfare for these animals is crucial for animal advocacy groups aiming to improve rearing conditions and influence industry practices.

Potential Research Approach:

• Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on the welfare needs and sentience of crustaceans and mollusks. Analyze studies related to their physical and psychological well-being, as well as existing welfare standards for similar species. Preliminary resources include:

  • Rethink Priorities: Invertebrate Sentience

  • Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation: Crustacean and Cephalopod Sentience Report

  • Crustacean Compassion

• Expert Consultations: Engage with biologists, ethologists, and animal welfare scientists to gain insights into the specific welfare needs of crustaceans and mollusks. Develop criteria for assessing and ensuring their welfare based on scientific understanding and expert opinions.

• Welfare Criteria Proposal: Based on the literature review and expert consultations, propose a set of welfare criteria for farmed crustaceans and mollusks. This should include physical, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to their well-being.

• Case Studies and Feasibility Analysis: Identify and analyze aquaculture operations that have implemented welfare-focused practices for crustaceans and mollusks. Evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and benefits of these practices in improving animal welfare and consider how these can be scaled or adapted for broader implementation.

Additional Questions:

1. What are the specific welfare needs of farmed crustaceans and mollusks, and how can these needs be reliably assessed and measured?

2. How do current aquaculture practices for crustaceans and mollusks compare to proposed welfare standards, and what are the barriers to implementing improved welfare practices?

3. What examples exist of successful welfare-focused aquaculture practices for crustaceans and mollusks, and what can be learned from these cases to promote broader adoption?