The ASC Approach to Eyestalk Ablation: Supporting Responsible Shrimp Farming and Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is a core pillar of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) mission to drive responsible aquaculture. One of the key welfare issues in shrimp farming is the practice of eyestalk ablation — a procedure used to induce spawning in broodstock shrimp.

The ASC Farm Standard directly addresses this practice, requiring certified farms producing whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) — which together represent the vast majority of global shrimp aquaculture and ASC certified production — to phase out eyestalk ablation.

Scientific evidence and stakeholder feedback have demonstrated that these species can be successfully farmed without the use of ablation, although the process is more complex for black tiger shrimp. As a result, under the Farm Standard, ASC is mandating a time-bound transition: certified farms must progressively increase their use of ablation-free post-larvae and fully discontinue the practice within four years for whiteleg shrimp and six years for black tiger shrimp.

This phased approach ensures that producers of all sizes, particularly in Latin America and Asia, can realistically transition while maintaining viability. It acknowledges the operational and infrastructural changes required, such as modifications in hatchery management and broodstock care, and allows time for producers to adapt with the necessary support.

For animal welfare, the benefits are clear: eliminating eyestalk ablation reduces stress and physical harm to broodstock shrimp. For producers, the shift enables alignment with evolving market expectations and improves the long-term resilience of their operations. Retailers and consumers increasingly demand responsibly farmed seafood, and ASC’s approach helps supply chains meet these expectations with greater confidence and credibility.

We actively collaborate with partners who wish to move faster, offering guidance and support to help them meet higher welfare expectations sooner.

By setting clear timelines, providing guidance, and engaging with early adopters, ASC is ensuring the transition away from eyestalk ablation is effective, achievable, and beneficial for producers, retailers, and consumers alike — while keeping animal welfare at the forefront.