Are shrimp and prawns sustainable? | Marine Stewardship Council

Is shrimp sustainable?

At the MSC, we believe that there is no such thing as a sustainable species, only sustainable stocks (‘stock’ is another word for group or population of fish). There are 21 MSC certified shrimp and prawn fisheries around the world.

Long story short: if your shrimp (or prawns!) has the MSC blue fish label on it, it’s sustainable!

That means enough shrimp are being left to continue reproducing, the shrimp were caught in a way that minimizes environmental impact, and there is responsible oversight so any changes to the stock or the environment are monitored and can be responded to as needed. Shrimp (and prawns) with the MSC blue fish label is certified sustainable and can be traced back to a well-managed fishery.

Is shrimp/prawn 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 in the US.

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.

Blue fish illustration

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

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.