Eyestalk Ablation
What is Eyestalk Ablation?
Eye ablation is a standard practice in commercial shrimp farming where one or both of a female shrimp's eyestalks are cut off or destroyed. The eyestalks contain hormone-producing glands that regulate the shrimp's reproduction cycle. By removing these glands, farmers force female shrimp to breed more frequently and produce eggs outside their natural cycles.
WikiHow it's performed
The procedure is typically done without anesthesia using several methods:
Pinching the eyestalk, usually half to two-thirds down the eyestalk. This method may leave an open wound.
Slitting one eye with a razor blade, then crushing the eyestalk, with thumb and index fingernail, beginning one-half to two-thirds down the eyestalk and moving distally until the contents of eyes have been removed. This method, sometimes called enucleation, leaves behind the transparent exoskeleton so that clotting of haemolymph, and closure of the wound, may occur more rapidly.
Caterizing through the eyestalk with either an electrocautery device or an instrument such as a red-hot wire or forceps. If performed correctly, this method closes the wound and allows scar tissue to form more readily. A variation of this technique is to use scissors or a sharp blade to sever the eyestalk, and then to cauterize the wound.
Ligation by tying off the eyestalk tightly with surgical or other thread. This method also has the advantage of immediate wound closure.
Why it's cruel
Shrimp have complex nervous systems and demonstrate pain responses
The procedure is performed without pain relief
It causes significant stress and disorientation
Ablated shrimp show reduced immune function and higher mortality rates
It forces reproduction at an unnatural and exhausting pace
Industry Impact
This practice remains widespread in global shrimp farming operations, with billions of shrimp subjected to this procedure annually. Despite growing ethical concerns, it continues because it can increase egg production by 30-40% in farming operations.
What Consumers Can Do
By choosing plant-based alternatives to shrimp and other seafood, consumers can help reduce the demand for products produced using these cruel practices and support the development of more ethical food systems.
Footage
Studies