The Western school shrimp (*Metapenaeus dalli*) is a small, commercially important prawn species native to the shallow coastal and estuarine waters of southern and western Australia. Characterized by its translucent body and modest size, this shrimp is primarily harvested in Australia, the only country with significant commercial fisheries targeting the species. The Western school shrimp fishery is centered in Western Australia, particularly in the Swan-Canning and Peel-Harvey estuaries, where it supports both commercial and recreational fishing. The fishery is managed with strict quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability, and Australia remains the principal—and virtually exclusive—producer of this species on a commercial scale, with exports being minimal and most of the catch consumed domestically.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 2,329 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.