Developing Codes of Practice for decapod crustacea welfare

Cumulus worked with Seafish, the Shellfish Association of Great Britain and the Crab Management Group (the Steering Group) to develop industry-led Codes of Practice on crustacea welfare for the UK shellfish supply chain. This followed recognition of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs as sentient animals by The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Project deliverables included codes of practice for key stages of the shellfish supply chain, best practice guidance for the home, and instructions for businesses to demonstrate/evidence compliance. The project involved identifying welfare risks, a desk-based review of scientific evidence, drafting the codes and guidance, obtaining feedback from five industry panels and a welfare NGO panel, and working with the Steering Group to refine, communicate and launch the codes.