Wild shrimp capture using bottom trawling causes significant bycatch and potential welfare concerns for both target shrimp and the vast quantities of non-target species caught.
Wild shrimp trawling creates welfare concerns at multiple levels. Non-target species caught in shrimp trawls include fish with well-documented capacity for pain, sea turtles that may drown before being released, and sharks that may suffer air exposure and handling stress. Even the shrimp themselves experience the stress of trawl capture, extended air exposure, and crushing from the weight of the catch. Welfare-conscious shrimp sourcing prioritizes fisheries using selective gear and TEDs that reduce bycatch mortality.