Which malacostracan groups have major economic value to humans?

Within the class Malacostraca, the groups that hold major direct economic value to humans are the decapods (order Decapoda) and the euphausiids (order Euphausiacea), commonly known as krill.1

Decapods

Decapods are the most economically significant group of crustaceans. This diverse order includes:2
* Shrimp and Prawns: Widely harvested as a primary commercial species globally.23
* Lobsters: Highly prized, including true lobsters (Homarus species) and spiny lobsters.2
* Crabs: Numerous species are commercially valuable, such as the blue crab, Dungeness crab, edible crab, and various king crab species.24
* Crayfish: Harvested in freshwater environments for local and commercial markets.2

Euphausiids (Krill)

Krill are of significant economic importance due to their vast numbers and nutritional value. They are harvested commercially for several purposes:51
* Human Consumption: Increasingly used as a food source for humans.5
* Dietary Supplements: Krill oil is processed for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids.56
* Animal Feed and Bait: They are also utilized in the production of animal feed and as bait for fishing.6

While other crustaceans like barnacles may have local market value, decapods and euphausiids remain the only malacostracan groups with major, widespread economic impact.12