Albert Heijn, the Netherland’s largest retail chain, has become the first mainstream EU retailer to publish a shrimp welfare policy.

On 17 January, The Snapshot 2023: Industry Benchmark on Decapod Crustacean Welfare was published, revealing industry progress on decapod welfare.

The UK retailer has outlined clear commitments to higher decapod welfare with its new sourcing policy.

The Mediterranean’s largest seabass and gilthead seabream producer, Avramar, has committed to implement electrical pre-slaughter stunning across its operation. 

The aim of the report is to empower the industry by defining a positive narrative around affordability, availability, and nutritional value.

Between 20-22 November, Catch Welfare Platform (CWP) hosted their  kick-off conference in Bergen, Norway to promote catch welfare in practice and address critical challenges in transitioning global fisheries.

The Animal Law Foundation has launched a legal challenge against the UK government, claiming that practices such as live boiling are contrary to the law now that decapod crustaceans are recognised as sentient.

Sofina Foods and their producers Taika have signed the Humane Slaughter Pilot Agreement in partnership with Shrimp Welfare Project to ensure the welfare of shrimp within Taika’s farms.

More than 20 shrimp producers have expressed their intention to form a Global Shrimp Council with the aim of promoting the protein worldwide.  

Driven by the desire to adopt a “bottom up” approach to welfare, FAI Farm’s new website and associated app will enable farmers to improve monitoring.

Attended by over 500 people, this year’s Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht featured presentations on animal welfare for the first time. 

The UK government’s decision to legally recognise decapod crustaceans as sentient is being acknowledged in the research community.