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Shellfish: Animal Welfare and Conservation

Asked by Ruth JonesLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 December 2025UIN 96253

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current legal protection regime for decapod crustaceans; and what steps is she taking to strengthen protections of the welfare of decapod crustaceans.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans. Defra has commissioned research to address a knowledge gap about how live decapods move from sea to plate. This is due to finish in 2026. In addition, a project on the welfare of decapod crustaceans across the supply chain is included in the Animal Welfare Committee’s current work plan.

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