Even though management of bycatches and discards has been contentious in global fisheries, the problem is less pronounced in artisanal fisheries. This is because most of what is landed in the latter has a consumptive value, thus, fisheries managers have not paid attention to the issue. On Lake Tanganyika, however, the case is different as the endemic atyid shrimps caught as incidental catch in the landings of small pelagics (Limnothrissa miodon and Stolothrissa tanganicae) are commonly discarded and are not a delicacy for people. Even if caught in large quantities, atyid shrimps remain of no economic value and end up being discarded. These freshwater shrimps are mainly from the genera Atyella, Caridella, and Limnocaridina in the family Atyidae, with an average body length and carapace length of 3.87mm and 1.02mm, respectively. Thus far, there is data paucity on the current production of shrimps as a bycatch and their economic value/use has not been evaluated. It’s here proposed that atyid shrimps be utilized for economic purposes as an alternative protein source for functional aquafeed on Lake Tanganyika. Preliminary results for proximate and mineral composition revealed that atyid shrimps have comparative crude protein (>55% CP) content to fishmeal. Being a preferred prey and highly ranked on dietary index for most apex piscivores on Lake Tanganyika, atyid shrimps meets the criteria for an alternative protein source. This research study intends to evaluate the possibility of utilizing atyid shrimps in aquafeeds, quantify annual shrimp production and assess ecological as well as socio-economic trends associated with shrimps as an alternative protein source. The success of the study will help reduce the cost aquafeed that currently stands at more than 60% of the total production cost. Conversely, the study will present a chance to understand how valuable bycatches and discards can be managed in artisanal fisheries.