Shrimp - The Devastating Delicacy

28 Nov 2000: Greenpeace: Mangrove forests in the tropics soon to be destroyed through industrial shrimp farming

Today, Greenpeace in Austria raised public awareness for the destruction of tropical Mangrove forests with a protest march through downtown Vienna, Austria. One of the most important factors causing the destruction of these tidal forests is industrial shrimp farming. On today's tour, Greenpeace visited branches of Nordsee-Cerny GmbH, Austria's biggest trader of tropical farmed shrimps. About 40 activists demanded that Nordsee immediately stops trading in tropical breeding shrimps.

They were supported by a three meter shrimp, which symbolises the threat industrial shrimp farming poses to mangrove forests. "One of our banners sums up our matter of concern: Mangrove forest + industrial shrimp farming = Desert;" said Nina Thüllen, Mangrove-expert at Greenpeace Austria.

The world-wide production of tropical farmed shrimps increased by 250% within ten years (1985-1995). So far, the most important buyer of this seafood, which are regarded a delicacy in the rich north, is the US-market. But consumption in the EU is rising constantly. In Austria the import doubled in a single year (1998/1999). "If we cannot stop this enormous growth in consumption and production, the future of the mangroves looks very gloomy. In some areas, the shrimp industry is already responsible for as much as 90% of the mangrove's destruction," stated Nina Thullen.

According to figures of the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN (FAO) half of the planet's mangrove forests have already been destroyed. In Ecuador and the Philippines this figure has even reached 70%. Besides factors like housing construction, oil and tin mining and timber cutting, the shrimp-industry is largely responsible for this destruction.

Tropical tidal forests are a unique ecosystem. Under constant influence from ebb and flood tides, they are the habitat for numerous terrestrial and maritime as well as animals only occurring in the mangrove forests. As a breeding ground and a nursery, they are of overwhelming importance for the survival of many maritime animals. In addition, they protect the coasts from erosion and tropical storms. The destruction of the mangroves means the end of an unique ecosystem. Numerous tropical fish varieties, that depend on it, will disappear. Moreover the coastal population's subsistence will be destroyed. These natives traditionally live on collecting and fishing in the tidal forests. Without the mangroves, they often have no choice but to migrate to the slums of cities or to emigrate.

Read more:
Arctic Sunrise in Ecuador
Ripped out at the Roots - The destruction of Mangrove forests.
Human Impacts - The effects of this lucrative export trade on local communities.
Don't Be 'Shellfish' - What Greenpeace is doing and what you can do.
Shrimp facts and figures
Photo Gallery