Based on analysis of state-of-the-art research investigating target detection and recognition in turbid waters, and aiming to solve the problems encountered during target detection and the unique influences of turbidity areas, in this review, the main problem is divided into two areas: image degradation caused by the unique conditions of turbid water, and target recognition. Existing target recognition methods are divided into three modules: target detection based on deep learning methods, underwater image restoration and enhancement approaches, and underwater image processing methods based on polarization imaging technology and scattering. The relevant research results are analyzed in detail, and methods regarding image processing, target detection, and recognition in turbid water, and relevant datasets are summarized. The main scenarios in which underwater target detection and recognition technology are applied are listed, and the key problems that exist in the current technology are identified. Solutions and development directions are discussed. This work provides a reference for engineering tasks in underwater turbid areas and an outlook on the development of underwater intelligent sensing technology in the future.