Long-Term Production Trends and Regional Characteristics of Major Shrimp Species in Korea : Focusing on fleshy prawn, kuruma prawn and whiteleg shrimp

This study analyzed changes in shrimp production of shallow-sea aquaculture in Korea and offshore fisheries from 1970 to 2025. Aquaculture production increased from 10 tons in 1971 to 7,900 tons in 2025, with the dominant species shifting from kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus) to fleshy prawn (Penaeus chinensis) and then to whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Whiteleg shrimp became the major cultured species, reaching a peak of 9,546 tons in 2021. In contrast, aquaculture production of kuruma prawn and fleshy prawn declined or ceased due to disease. Capture fisheries production decreased after the 1970s and 1980s but showed signs of recent recovery. Production was concentrated along the western and southern coasts, and shrimp prices generally varied inversely with production volume. Regions with active seed release programs also showed relatively high fishery production, suggesting a potential contribution to resource recovery.