November 1, 2024 — U.S.-harvested shrimp has long been an economic backbone and cultural icon for commercial fishing communities, particularly in the Gulf and Southeastern coasts. Known for being nutritious and downright delicious, it’s a sustainable choice that’s not just good on the plate but also responsibly harvested. With the United States setting the global standard for shrimp trawl bycatch reduction, our shrimp fishery is designed to safeguard both marine ecosystems and the fishing industry’s future. But despite this commitment to sustainability, our shrimp industry is struggling to keep afloat. Let’s break down the facts about wild-caught U.S. shrimp and why this fishery is worth supporting.
What Makes Wild-Caught U.S. Shrimp Sustainable?
Thanks to solid science and a dynamic management approach, U.S. fisheries are among the largest and most sustainable in the world, and our shrimp fishery is no exception. NOAA Fisheries carefully manages shrimp harvested here to protect the long-term health of the shrimp populations and their ecosystems. White, pink, and brown shrimp are the backbone of the industry in the Southeast, providing jobs and sustaining generations of fishing families.
Shrimp are fast-growing crustaceans, often hitting 7 to 8 inches within just two years, making them resilient to overfishing. Monitoring programs like fishery-independent surveys and stock assessments help NOAA Fisheries determine the shrimp populations’ health and manage their harvest. Temporary closures are sometimes enforced to allow shrimp to migrate offshore and reach larger, more valuable sizes, ensuring they meet economic goals while maintaining population levels.