The statistics and the ecological, economic and social implications of shrimp farming differ significantly according to whether they come from an NGO or an industrial point of view. Researchers’ publications often illustrate this diverse range of opinions, but some major trends can be extracted. This report attempts to summarize the bulk of the existing information, ranging from these two diametrically opposed protagonists of shrimp farming and remains as neutral as possible. The goal is not to achieve any kind of judgment but simply to review all the research documents addressing issues related to: -an overview of the world shrimp production and industry -the economics of production -environmental issues -legal issues -social issues -policy, institutional and political economic analysis The goal of this literature review will rather be to identify gaps in the literature and areas where updating research is necessary.