Shrimp cultivation threatens environment - Study

The cultivation of shrimp and fish in tropical coastal areas is often described as an environmentally friendly way to alleviate poverty, but this cultivation has negative consequences for both the local population and the environment, Daniel A. Bergquist of Uppsala University, Sweden has found in a study.

The cultivating of fish and shellfish in artificial ponds has increased dramatically in the last few decades, apace with the ever greater depletion of fish stocks in the oceans. International aid organisations working with local Governments, have made major commitments to expand aquaculture hoping it would alleviate poverty and spur economic growth in these areas.

The Swedish human geographer has shown, using Sri Lanka and the Philippines as examples, that a major portion of the local population is excluded from these activities and continue to be just as poor as ever. "The winners are the local elites," he says.

Aquaculture entails serious consequences for the environment. When mangrove forests are cut down to make way for shrimp and fish ponds, the ecosystem is affected. These environmental problems, impact aquaculture, and entire harvests can be lost, he suggested. The methods use to cultivate shrimp and fish are faulty, leading to underestimations of the input from people and nature and therefore to excessively low prices.

"One contributory factor is found in the faulty global market mechanisms that lead to growing inequities in the distribution of resources, profits, and costs between the northern and southern hemispheres, says Berquist.

His study also shows how it is possible to use alternative methods to bring to light this unfair and unsustainable exchange. (Credit: Daniel A. Bergquist)