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Shrimp

(Mexico, Farmed in Open Systems)

Rating:
Like most imported farmed shrimp, shrimp from Mexico is produced in open pond systems. These farms cause habitat damage and pollution, and may spread disease to the surrounding environment. As a result, consumers should "Avoid" Mexican farmed shrimp.

Market Names:
Pacific White Shrimp, West Coast White Shrimp, Ebi

Consumer Notes:
For the most sustainable product, look for shrimp raised in fully recirculating tanks or ponds, or from farms located inland, away from the coast. The terms "shrimp" and "prawn" may be used interchangeably. Shrimp is known as ebi when prepared for sushi.

Summary:
Shrimp is the most popular and valuable seafood in the U.S. Mexico supports a large and growing shrimp farming industry and is an important source of imports into the U.S.

Many of Mexico's shrimp farms are located along the Gulf of California coast - a unique and vulnerable ecosystem. These farms are adjacent to sensitive coastal wetland and mangrove habitats, and despite leaving mangroves largely intact, the ecosystem is impacted by water and effluent from these farms. Because shrimp ponds in Mexico are open to the environment and still suffer from disease outbreaks, they risk transferring disease and parasites to wild populations.

Due to these concerns, Seafood Watch consumers should "Avoid" farmed shrimp from Mexico.

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