Why Shrimp Farms Are Moving On-Land: Let’s Talk About It

Shrimp is America’s favorite seafood, but the way it’s traditionally farmed is changing fast. Today, more and more shrimp farms are moving on-land — and for good reason. Disease outbreaks, environmental damage, and unstable imports are pushing producers to rethink how shrimp should be grown. Indoor, land-based systems promise cleaner water, healthier shrimp, and a steady supply all year long. So let’s talk about why this shift is happening and what it means for the future of sustainable seafood.

You probably know how much Americans love shrimp — more than 1 billion pounds every year. But here’s the surprising part: almost 90% of that shrimp is imported. That means when something goes wrong overseas — disease, bad weather, rising costs — shrimp prices and availability in the U.S. get hit too.

But now, something new is happening: shrimp farms are moving indoors and on land. And yes — this could change the entire seafood industry.

Why Traditional Shrimp Farms Are Hitting Limits

Let’s talk about why outdoor, open-pond shrimp farming is becoming harder to rely on.

1. “Disease can destroy everything.”

Traditional farms use open ponds, which makes it easy for viruses to enter and wipe out shrimp populations.

2. “It harms the environment.”

Ponds often replace mangroves and wetlands, and wastewater can pollute local ecosystems.

More info: Seafood Sustainability Report

3. “Weather is not predictable anymore.”

Storms, heatwaves, and droughts can destroy shrimp ponds and disrupt production.

Background reading: Global Seafood Alliance

4. “Buyers want cleaner, safer seafood.”

Imported shrimp often lacks traceability and may involve antibiotics or poor-quality water.

Reference: SEC Report

The Indoor Shrimp Farming Revolution

Now imagine this: shrimp growing in indoor tanks, with clean recycled water, controlled temperature, and 24/7 monitoring. That’s indoor shrimp farming using a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).