Prawn and Shrimp Trawling — Bycatch Welfare

Bottom trawling for shrimp and prawns has some of the highest bycatch rates in commercial fishing, with dramatic welfare impacts on non-target species.

Key Facts

Shrimp trawling has bycatch-to-shrimp ratios of 5:1 to 20:1 in many fisheries
Common bycatch includes juvenile fish, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and invertebrates
Bycatch animals are typically returned to sea dead or dying after hours on deck
Sea turtles caught in shrimp trawls drown if unable to surface for air
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are required in US shrimp trawling but enforcement is limited

Welfare Considerations

Shrimp trawl bycatch creates massive welfare impacts on non-target species. Animals trapped for hours in nets experience crushing pressure, oxygen depletion, and physiological stress. Sea turtles drown. Sharks and rays suffocate. Juvenile fish are returned to the sea dead. The scale — billions of non-target animals killed annually globally in shrimp trawling — is one of the largest sources of marine animal welfare harm that exists. Consumer awareness is minimal because bycatch is invisible at point of purchase. TEDs reduce but do not eliminate turtle bycatch; reducing shrimp consumption from trawl fisheries is the most direct consumer welfare action.

What You Can Do

Choose certified sustainable shrimp from trap or farm sources that minimize bycatch
Avoid shrimp from countries with poor TED compliance and enforcement
Support Oceana and similar organizations campaigning for bycatch reduction standards
Advocate for mandatory bycatch monitoring and reporting in all shrimp fisheries
Reduce overall shrimp consumption — bycatch makes even certified trawl-caught shrimp welfare-problematic