| Although fishing for shrimp has started up after | | | | lifespan of over 6 years. |
| the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, many fishermen | | | | Shrimp are caught by nets. When using nets, |
| are finding oil tainted shrimp. The fishermen are | | | | other species are also caught and discarded. It is |
| concerned about the health issues and are finding | | | | also cultivated in farms. About 75% of the |
| assisting in the clean up is more profitable. | | | | farmed shrimp are produced in Asia with Thailand |
| The name originated from the 14th century Middle | | | | being the largest exporter. |
| English word shrimpe meaning to contract or | | | | Shrimp are prepared for eating by frying, boiling, |
| wrinkle. There other crustaceans that are refer to | | | | baking or grilling. It is high in calcium, iodine and |
| as shrimp but are unrelated. Prawns are directly | | | | protein. Although high in cholesterol, it is low in |
| related to the shrimp. | | | | saturated fat making it beneficial for consumption. |
| A shrimp is a bottom feeder found in fresh and | | | | It is a shellfish and can cause an allergic reaction |
| salt water around the world. Besides use for | | | | when eaten. It is also used in aquariums to control |
| human consumption, it is an important food | | | | algae. |
| source for other fish and whales. It has a high | | | | Although highly monitored by the government, the |
| tolerance for toxins and can contribute to high | | | | demand for Gulf shrimp is down. The public is |
| toxin levels in its predators. | | | | concerned about the safety of eating anything |
| A shrimp lives in schools and can swim backwards | | | | coming from the Gulf. This has reduced the |
| rapidly. It is similar to a prawn but has a different | | | | number of boats that are going out. Until the |
| gill structure. It abdomen is muscular which enables | | | | public has confidence that food coming from the |
| it to swim. It is light weight due to its exoskeleton. | | | | Gulf is safe, the fishing industry in that area will |
| It can reach a length of 12 inches and have a | | | | suffer. |