The population structure of the species is not clear but there are indications that the Northern Gulf of Mexico and NW Atlantic distributions may constitute a single contiguous population (McMillen-Jackson & Bert, 2003) that are currently assessed and managed independently in the US region: NW Atlantic (Scott-Denton, 2012) and in Northern Gulf of Mexico (Hart, 2012). A distinct assessment unit is considered to exist in SW Gulf of Mexico (SAGARPA, 2012). Brown shrimp is caught along with pink and white shrimp in the NW Atlantic.

In Florida Northern brown shrimp is caught along with Northern white shrimp.