Palaemonid shrimps, belonging to the family Palaemonidae, are a diverse group of mostly small to medium-sized shrimps commonly found in both freshwater and marine environments, including estuaries and coastal waters. Notable species include the Macrobrachium genus, such as the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), which is highly valued in aquaculture and wild fisheries. The leading countries harvesting palaemonid shrimps not elsewhere included (NEI) are predominantly in Asia, with China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam being major contributors due to their extensive river systems and aquaculture operations. These countries have developed significant fisheries and farming industries around these shrimps, supplying both domestic and international markets. The fishing and farming of palaemonid shrimps play a crucial economic role, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing to the global seafood trade, while also facing challenges related to sustainable management and environmental impacts.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | 209 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.