For so many of us Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the prawns. This festive season, Australians are again set to dig into millions of kilograms of the crustaceans representing 40 per cent of the country's annual consumption.

But some scientists are urging a rethink, claiming the latest research shows that crustaceans are sentient — and can feel fear, pain and distress.

• Guest: Professor Culum Brown, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
• Producer: Oscar Coleman