Ethical and welfare considerations when using cephalopods as experimental animals

Authors: Moltschaniwskyj, N.; Hall, K.; Lipinski, Marek; Marian, J.; Nishiguchi, M.; Sakai, M.; Shulman, D.; Sinclair, B.; Sinn, D.; Staudinger, M.; Gelderen, R.; Villanueva, R.; Warnke, K.

Source: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Volume 17, Numbers 2-3, August 2007 , pp. 455-476(22)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

When using cephalopods as experimental animals, a number of factors, including morality, quality of information derived from experiments, and public perception, drives the motivation to consider welfare issues. Refinement of methods and techniques is a major step in ensuring protection of cephalopod welfare in both laboratory and field studies. To this end, existing literature that provides details of methods used in the collection, handling, maintenance, and culture of a range of cephalopods is a useful starting point when refining and justifying decisions about animal welfare. This review collates recent literature in which authors have used cephalopods as experimental animals, revealing the extent of use and diversity of cephalopod species and techniques. It also highlights several major issues when considering cephalopod welfare; how little is known about disease in cephalopods and its relationship to senescence and also how to define objective endpoints when animals are stressed or dying as a result of the experiment.

Keywords: Animal welfare; Animal ethics; Capture; Cephalopods; Cuttlefish; Handling; Housing; Nautilus; Octopus; Squid

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11160-007-9056-8

Affiliations: 1: Email: Natalie.Moltschaniwskyj@utas.edu.au

Publication date: 2007-08-01