UK to Introduce New Welfare Guidelines for Shellfish – Optimar Technology Ready to Meet the Challenge

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the development of new national guidelines for the handling and humane slaughter of live shellfish such as lobsters, crabs, and nephrops (scampi). These new standards aim to align industry practices with existing animal welfare regulations, including the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (WATOK) law from 2015.

One industry practice now under scrutiny is the tailing of nephrops while the animal is still conscious, a widely used method in the seafood industry. After crustaceans and cephalopods were officially recognized as sentient beings under the UK’s Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act in 2022, this approach may soon be outlawed.

Technology that meets future demands – today

While many in the seafood sector are unsure how to prepare for the upcoming changes, Optimar has already developed a prototype that stuns and tails nephrops onboard fishing vessels, using an automated and humane method.

The technology was successfully tested during sea trials in May 2025 and has been recognized as a significant step forward in animal welfare, crew safety, and processing efficiency. Benefits include:

• Humane stunning before tailing

• Safer working conditions for crew

• Faster and more hygienic onboard processing

• Improved product quality

“This technology addresses a major animal welfare concern while improving onboard workflow and product quality. We hope to have a market-ready solution available by 2026,” said Linda Wood, Head of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at Marks & Spencer, in an interview with SeafoodSource (subscription required).

Optimar – Enabling Humane Shellfish Processing

While some wait for regulations to be enforced, Optimar and its partners are already delivering practical, future-ready solutions. With a strong focus on automation, quality, and animal welfare, we help the seafood industry evolve responsibly.

Are you part of the nephrops supply chain and want to learn more about humane processing solutions?