From Catch to Plate: Exploring the Shrimp Industry

 

Shrimp

Although certain crustaceans outside of this order are referred to as "shrimp," shrimp are actually crustaceans (a type of shellfish) with elongated bodies and a primary mode of movement that involves swimming. Caridea, smaller species in either category, or solely marine species may be the subject of more specific definitions. Shrimp and prawn are similar swimming crustaceans with stalk-like eyes, long, narrow, muscular tails (abdomens), long whiskers and slender legs. Any tiny crustacean that resembles a prawn is frequently referred to as one. Shrimp are widely available and plentiful. There are countless animals that have evolved to a variety of settings.

On the majority of shores and bays, as well as in rivers and lakes, they can be seen feeding close to the seafloor.  They are an essential component of the food chain and a major source of nutrition for larger creatures like fish and whales. Many prawns have musculoskeletal tails that can be consumed by humans, and they are frequently collected and raised for this purpose. A 50 billion dollar industry depends on commercial shrimp species, and in 2010 there were roughly 7 million tonnes of shrimp produced commercially. In the 1980s, shrimp farming became more widespread, especially in China, and by 2007, the harvest from shrimp farms had surpassed that of wild shrimp.

Significant problems arise when shrimp are caught in the wild due to an excessive by catch and when bays are harmed by pollution as a result of shrimp aquaculture. Particularly in the Commonwealth of Nations and former British territories, larger shrimp—often referred to as prawns—are more likely to be targeted commercially. An aquaculture company that raises marine prawns or prawns for human use is known as a shrimp farm. Beginning in the 1970s, commercial prawn farming quickly increased production, especially to meet the needs of markets in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe.

According to Coherent Market Insights, Global shrimp market was valued at US$ 40.88 Billion in 2021 in terms of revenue, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.01% during the forecast period (2022 to 2030).

More than 1.6 million tonnes of farmed shrimp were produced worldwide in 2003, with a market value of close to 9 billion dollars. Asia produces over 75% of the world's prawns for farming, primarily in China, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. Brazil is the major producer in Latin America, where most of the remaining 25% are produced. By 2010, 3.9 million tonnes had been harvested by aquaculture, as opposed to 3.1 million tonnes from wild prawn capture. And in 2016, China, Ecuador, Thailand, Thailand, and India were the top five exporting countries.