Healthy Shrimp and Responsible Harvesting

Both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp can damage the surrounding ecosystems when not managed properly. Fortunately, it is possible to buy shrimp that have been raised or caught with sound environmental practices. There are agencies and Web sites that provide up-to-the-minute data about what regions are being over-fished for shrimp and which companies have a good environmental record. Try the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The oceans support thousands of amazing species and are vital for human life and livelihoods. Developing and using devices that reduce bycatch (fish and other marine life caught "incidentally" in the pursuit of shrimp) and encouraging best practices in shrimp farming will ensure that healthy, fresh shrimp are available for future generations.