Top Atlantic Mud Shrimp Fishing Countries

The Atlantic mud shrimp, primarily referring to species like *Upogebia deltaura* and *Callianassa subterranea*, are burrowing crustaceans inhabiting muddy and sandy substrates along the eastern Atlantic coasts. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries compared to prawns or other shrimp species, Atlantic mud shrimp are harvested in certain regions for bait and local consumption. The primary countries involved in their collection are the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and parts of Spain and Portugal, where artisanal fishers gather them from estuaries and tidal flats. These countries have established small but significant local industries, with the shrimp playing an important ecological role in sediment turnover and as a food source for fish and birds. The fishing of Atlantic mud shrimp is generally low-impact and regulated to prevent overharvesting and protect sensitive coastal habitats.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.