Shrimp/Prawns

Whether you call them shrimp or prawns, these popular crustacean are an important source of low-carbon protein worldwide. By choosing seafood with the MSC blue fish label, you can enjoy your favourite shrimp dishes knowing they come from fisheries independently certified as environmentally sustainable.

Shrimp are a quick and easy seafood option to cook that go well in a variety of cuisines from Italian pasta recipes to spicy Thai dishes. They’re also great on the grill! Because shrimp is such a versatile, healthy protein option, it’s a favorite of North American seafood eaters, consistently ranking in the top 3 on the list of most popular seafood.

Did you know? Shrimp can be found in warm and cold waters. The colder the water, the smaller the shrimp.

Are shrimp sustainable?

At the MSC, environmental sustainability is assessed on a fishery level, not a species level. There are over 20 MSC certified shrimp and prawn fisheries around the world.

Short answer: if your shrimp (or prawns!) carries the MSC blue fish label, it’s environmentally sustainable!

That means enough shrimp are being left to reproduce, the shrimp were caught in a way that minimizes environmental impact, and comes from a well-managed fishery so any changes to the stock or the environment are monitored and can be responded to as needed.

Environmentally sustainable shrimp fishing around the world

The power of partnerships

How collaboration between the government, NGOs and researchers empowered the first tropical shrimp fishery to receive MSC certification.

Are shrimp and prawns the same?

No! Shrimp and prawns are not the same species, but it’s not always easy to tell them apart because they look and taste quite similar: they are both crustaceans with ten legs and share similar flavor profiles. Prawns are generally larger than shrimp (but not always!) and they have straighter bodies. Though it can get even more confusing, because sometimes shrimp are called prawns, like spot prawns, which are in fact a type of shrimp.

Both shrimp and prawns can be sustainable; there are several MSC certified shrimp and prawn fisheries throughout the world.

Shrimp and Earth

Is shrimp healthy?

Yes! There are dozens of shrimp and prawn species, but they share a similar health profile: low in saturated fats, high in protein and important vitamins and nutrients like B12 and selenium.