Social Aspects of Shrimp Aquaculture Development in Asia

When this study was commissioned, a number of media reports had given vivid accounts of the existing and potential environmental impacts of shrimp farming in Asia and South America. These included the destruction of mangroves, the destruction of fish stock, pollution and other forms of land and water degradation. However, the social impacts on local communities—those of the tropical coastal regions where shrimp aquaculture was a growing source of income—had received only scant attention. This study highlighted the social dimensions of shrimp aquaculture, including how it affected livelihoods by disrupting traditional systems of production, distribution and social relations. The partial remedial actions undertaken by private and public actors to mitigate the negative outcomes of the industry were also examined.