Top Banana Prawn Fishing Countries

The Top Banana Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), also known as the white banana prawn, is a commercially important shrimp species found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Characterized by its slender, translucent body with a slight yellowish tinge, this prawn is highly valued for its sweet flavor and tender texture. The leading countries involved in banana prawn fishing are Australia, particularly in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Northern Territory, as well as Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. In Australia, the banana prawn fishery is one of the most significant prawn fisheries, contributing substantially to the country’s seafood exports. Indonesia and India also play major roles, harvesting large quantities both for domestic consumption and export. The industry relies on both wild capture and aquaculture, with sustainable management practices increasingly important to maintain healthy stocks and support local economies.

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