Shrimp are a diverse group of small, decapod crustaceans found in both saltwater and freshwater environments worldwide, prized for their delicate flavor and high commercial value. The global shrimp fishing and aquaculture industry is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, with wild-caught and farmed shrimp playing a key role in international seafood markets. The top shrimp fishing countries include China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ecuador, each contributing significantly to global production, both through capture fisheries and aquaculture. These countries harvest various shrimp species, such as the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), and northern prawn (Pandalus borealis), supplying major markets in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The industry faces challenges related to sustainability, overfishing, and environmental impacts, prompting efforts to improve fishing practices and promote responsible aquaculture.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 294 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.