Shrimp
Artist: Roz Newby and Frank Heimsath
Fish Profile:
Conservation status
Shrimp are long-bodied swimming crustaceans with extended antennae. Shrimp is an umbrella, non-scientific name sometimes used to describe small crustaceans in general and can be synonymous with prawn. Commonly, but not always accurately, shrimp (small) and prawn (large) are distinguished by size.
It is complicated to discuss shrimp and sustainability – because there are multiple species and habitats, a prevalence of shrimp farms, and farming and fishing practices endanger other marine species and habitats.
According to MCS ratings Brown Shrimp are under review and Northern Prawn receive mixed sustainability ratings depending on where they are caught. Wild caught coldwater Northern Prawn (Pandalus borealis) is Best Choice when caught in the Barents Sea north of Norway (also an MSC certified fishery). Those caught in the North Sea, Skagerrak, and Kattegat Need Improvement. Likewise, Tiger Prawns receive mixed reviews including an Avoid for farmed prawns in Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.