In tropical climates where most farmed shrimp is produced, it takes approximately three to six months to raise market-sized shrimp, with many farmers growing two to three crops per year. A steady stream of organic waste, chemicals and antibiotics from shrimp farms can pollute groundwater or coastal estuaries. Salt from the ponds can also seep into the groundwater and onto agricultural land. This has had lasting effects, changing the hydrology that provides the foundation of wetland ecosystems.
Pollution
In tropical climates where most farmed shrimp is produced, it takes approximately three to six months to raise market-sized shrimp, with many farmers growing two to three crops per year. A steady stream of organic waste, chemicals and antibiotics from shrimp farms can pollute groundwater or coastal estuaries. Salt from the ponds can also seep into the groundwater and onto agricultural land. This has had lasting effects, changing the hydrology that provides the foundation of wetland ecosystems.
Outbreak of Disease
The introduction of pathogens can lead to major outbreaks of disease in shrimp with devastating consequences. When the shrimp become ill with some diseases, they swim on the surface rather than on the bottom of the production pond. Seagulls swoop down, consume the diseased shrimp, and then may subsequently defecate on a pond a few miles away, spreading the pathogen. When shrimp farms are shut down due to disease, there are socioeconomic impacts, including loss of employment.
Approximately 80 percent of farmed shrimp are raised from just two species – Penaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) and Penaeus monodon (giant tiger prawn). These monocultures are very susceptible to disease.
Destruction of Habitats
In some cases, ecologically-sensitive habitat has been cleared to create ponds for shrimp production. Also, some aquifers that supply water to farms have been contaminated with salt water. Some forms of shrimp farming have had a devastating effect on mangroves around the world. These mangroves are vital for wildlife and coastal fisheries, and serve as buffers to the effects of storms. Their loss has destabilized entire coastal zones, with negative effects on coastal communities.
Salt flats, mudflats, estuaries, tidal basins and coastal marshes can also be affected by shrimp farming. These areas represent essential hunting, nesting, breeding and migratory homes to millions of coastal inhabitants, including fish, invertebrates, and migratory birds.
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