A new industry benchmark report from Crustacean Compassion has found that humane stunning and slaughter has become the leading welfare priority for seafood companies, as businesses move ahead of anticipated UK legislation changes.
‘The Snapshot 2025: Industry Benchmark on Decapod Crustacean Welfare’ highlights a growing shift across the sector, with more companies tightening policies on slaughter practices than on any other welfare issue this year.
The report assesses 30 seafood companies, including major supermarkets and processors, and shows a clear trend toward improved standards, even as debate continues around the legality of boiling lobsters and crabs alive.
“Many companies have used electrical stunning for years to achieve humane slaughter for at least some decapod species, rejecting cruel practices such as live, conscious boiling,” said Dr Ben Sturgeon, chief executive of Crustacean Compassion.
“With legal clarity on its way, there is no excuse to persist with outdated slaughter practices that nobody wants and that violate the law.”
According to the findings, 63% of companies now publish commitments to adopt or expand the use of electrical stunning in their supply chains, signalling a move away from traditional methods such as live boiling. This comes as the UK government’s Animal Welfare Strategy indicates that such practices are no longer considered acceptable.
The report also finds that seafood processors are outperforming retailers in improving welfare standards. Companies including Sykes Seafood and Young’s Seafood rank among the top performers, with Sykes Seafood identified as the most improved company in 2025. Meanwhile, ASDA remains the only supermarket in the lowest tier.
Overall, nearly half of the companies assessed improved their scores this year, reducing the number of laggards and widening the gap between leaders and those yet to act.
“Despite the challenges, this is good news for decapods, businesses and consumers alike,” Sturgeon added. “Consumers want to know that innovative companies can supply ethical, high welfare seafood and will reward those who take their responsibilities to animal welfare seriously.”
Despite the progress, the report notes that no company has yet taken a leading role in communicating welfare improvements directly to consumers.
