Chinese Exploitation Of Shrimp Farmingopen Access Resources By Jeff ✓ Solved
Chinese Exploitation of Shrimp Farming Open Access Resources by: Jeff Hunt Outline â— Details about Shrimp Farming â— Benefits â— Shrimp Stock â— Social Costs â— Externalities â— Solutions â— Conclusion Shrimp Farming - explained â— Demand from Shrimp increasingly popular â— Chinese development of its seacoast â—‹ 1.3 million hectares â— Technology developed in 1978 â—‹ Processed feed â—‹ Mechanicalization â— From China accounted for 35% of the world’s shrimp â—‹ At the same time, Taiwan’s production collapsed due to disease â— Wild-caught shrimp â— Cultured shrimp â—‹ Caught as larvae and farmed to maturity â—‹ Unethical practices Benefits â— Export for shrimp in North America, Europe and Japan â— A quickly growing industry â— Low barriers of entry â—‹ Excellent for local groups â—‹ Lack of research and development Destruction of the Shrimp stock â— Fish for the shrimp larvae in excess â—‹ Does no allow the shrimp itself to grow in its natural environment â— Loss of nutrients because of the processed feed â— Shrimp that get out of aquaculture ponds weaken the shrimp stock for wild caught shrimp Social Costs to the environment â— Pollution to the habitats in China alone â—‹ 4 billion tons industrial waste â—‹ 200,000 tons of untreated sewage â— The destruction of mangroves â—‹ No ability to filter out shrimp waste, extra feed, pesticides â—‹ Chemical additives into farms, and low quality feed â—‹ 10% due to shrimp farming â— Large operations able to avoid mangroves â—‹ Compared to the low budgeted, small businesses Externalities â— Most dangerous externality - the carbon into the ocean due to sediment from shrimp ponds â—‹ Varying pH levels â—‹ Prevents the mangroves in the outlet creeks from being suitable environments for other wildlife â—‹ Higher amounts of dissolved oxygen in the outlet creek Solutions and Current Legislation â— Local Solution of minimizing the ability of small groups to enter the market â— Sustainable examples â—‹ A demand for sustainably farmed shrimp will come from large buyers â— Complying with the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) â—‹ Field testing in the future â—‹ By both the sellers and the buyers â—‹ Holland has committed to purchasing 100% certified shrimp Conclusions --- References Abdullah, A. et al. (2017) ‘The impact of the expansion of shrimp aquaculture on livelihoods in coastal Bangladesh’, Environment, Development & Sustainability, 19(5), pp.
2093–2114. Biao, X., Zhuhong, D. and Xiaorong, W. (2004) ‘Impact of the intensive shrimp farming on the water quality of the adjacent coastal creeks from Eastern China’, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 48, pp. 543–553. Biao, X. and Kaijin, Y. (2007) ‘Shrimp farming in China: Operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives’, Ocean and Coastal Management, 50, pp. 538–550.
Boone Kauffman, J. et al. (2017) ‘The jumbo carbon footprint of a shrimp: carbon losses from mangrove deforestation’, Frontiers in Ecology & the Environment, 15(4), pp. 183–188. Boyd, C., Clay, J. (1998) ‘Shrimp Aquaculture and the Environment’, Scientific American, 278, pp. 58-65. Cao, L., Diana, J., Keoleian, G. and Lai, Q. (2011) ‘Life Cycle Assessment of Chinese Shrimp Farming Systems Targeted for Export and Domestic Sales’, Environmental Science & Technology, 45(15), pp.
6531–6538. Costa, B. et al. (2013) ‘Mercury Distribution in a Mangrove Tidal Creek Affected by Intensive Shrimp Farming’, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology, 90(5), pp. 537–541. Ge, H. et al. (2018) ‘Integration of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and green seaweed (Ulva prolifera) in minimum-water exchange aquaculture system’, Journal of Applied Phycology, (Preprints), pp. 1–8.
Xuliang Zhang et al. (2006) ‘Changes Of Hydrological Environment And Their Influences On Coastal Wetlands In The Southern Laizhou Bay, China’, Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, 119(1–3), pp. 97–106. Ya-Yan Liu et al. (2010) ‘Valuation of shrimp ecosystem services - a case study in Leizhou City, China’, International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 17(3), pp. 217–224. Shrimp 2 THE CHINESE EXPLOITATION OF SHRIMP FARMING by Jeffrey Hunt Environmental and Resource Economics Dr.
Tom M van Rensburg NUI Galway Galway, Ireland 25 September 2018 Abstract Of the aquaculturally available food options, shrimp is the second largest traded fish stock. For a renewable resource such as shrimp, its’ overexploitation has led to implications on its’ own worth, as well as the ecosystems that it inhabits. Additionally, of all commodities for developing nations, shrimp ranks as the most exploited net exported commodity ahead of coffee and sugar. Due to net exports ranging higher than billion for the United States, it is clear that the driving demand for shrimp will continue to cause trading nations to farm and hunt shrimp at an increasing rate for consumption. This paper will assess, with a focus on the Chinese shrimp farming processes, how shrimp are nearly poisonous due to antibiotic use off of the coast which has led to high levels of nitrates, what other aquaculture stocks are harmed due to overexploitation, and how the excessive farming of shrimp has led to destruction of mangroves.
The results will show how the overconsumption of shrimp will not be worth the tradeoffs due to the detriment on our human bodies and the coastal ecosystem of China. References Abdullah, A. et al. (2017) ‘The impact of the expansion of shrimp aquaculture on livelihoods in coastal Bangladesh’, Environment, Development & Sustainability , 19(5), pp. 2093–2114. Biao, X., Zhuhong, D. and Xiaorong, W. (2004) ‘Impact of the intensive shrimp farming on the water quality of the adjacent coastal creeks from Eastern China’, Marine Pollution Bulletin , 48, pp. 543–553.
Biao, X. and Kaijin, Y. (2007) ‘Shrimp farming in China: Operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives’, Ocean and Coastal Management , 50, pp. 538–550. Boone Kauffman, J. et al. (2017) ‘The jumbo carbon footprint of a shrimp: carbon losses from mangrove deforestation’, Frontiers in Ecology & the Environment , 15(4), pp. 183–188. Boyd, C., Clay, J. (1998) ‘Shrimp Aquaculture and the Environment’, Scientific American , 278, pp.
58-65. Cao, L., Diana, J., Keoleian, G. and Lai, Q. (2011) ‘Life Cycle Assessment of Chinese Shrimp Farming Systems Targeted for Export and Domestic Sales’, Environmental Science & Technology , 45(15), pp. 6531–6538. Costa, B. et al. (2013) ‘Mercury Distribution in a Mangrove Tidal Creek Affected by Intensive Shrimp Farming’, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology , 90(5), pp. 537–541.
Ge, H. et al. (2018) ‘Integration of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and green seaweed (Ulva prolifera) in minimum-water exchange aquaculture system’, Journal of Applied Phycology , (Preprints), pp. 1–8. Xuliang Zhang et al. (2006) ‘Changes Of Hydrological Environment And Their Influences On Coastal Wetlands In The Southern Laizhou Bay, China’, Environmental Monitoring & Assessment , 119(1–3), pp. 97–106. Ya-Yan Liu et al. (2010) ‘Valuation of shrimp ecosystem services - a case study in Leizhou City, China’, International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology , 17(3), pp. 217–224.
Paper for above instructions
Introduction
Shrimp farming has emerged as a significant industry across the globe, providing a vital source of food and income for millions. However, the practices surrounding shrimp aquaculture, especially in China, have raised serious environmental, social, and health concerns. As the world's largest shrimp producer, responsible for approximately 35% of global output, the Chinese approach to shrimp farming has implications that extend well beyond its borders (Biao et al., 2004). This paper examines the various aspects of shrimp farming in China, including its benefits and social costs, the resulting externalities, and potential solutions to minimize negative impacts.
Shrimp Farming Explained
Shrimp farming, or aquaculture, is the practice of breeding shrimp in controlled environments. Since the late 1970s, technological advancements, such as processed feeds and mechanization, have led to massive expansion in the industry (Boyd & Clay, 1998). The demand for shrimp has skyrocketed, driven by markets in North America, Europe, and Japan. This rapid growth has led to a staggering cultivation of about 1.3 million hectares along coastal areas in China.
Interestingly, while shrimp farming presents economic opportunities, it has also been linked to various unethical practices concerning environmental degradation and social inequities. Most shrimp farms focus on the rapidly growing vannamei shrimp (“Litopenaeus vannamei”), which has contributed significantly to marine biodiversity loss (Cao et al., 2011).
The Benefits of Shrimp Farming
One of the primary advantages of shrimp farming is its potential economic benefits. The industry acts as a substantial source of export revenue for China, meeting the increasing global demand for shrimp (Ya-Yan Liu et al., 2010). The low barriers to entry have enabled local groups to partake in the industry, thus providing livelihood opportunities in coastal communities (Abdullah et al., 2017). Furthermore, shrimp farming places China in a strong economic position on the world stage, particularly as nations seek seafood sustainably sourced.
Shrimp Stock and Environmental Concerns
However, these advantages are counterbalanced by the significant environmental costs associated with farming practices. Overexploitation and high consumption rates have led to alarming declines in wild shrimp populations. The juvenile shrimp are often caught as larvae to be cultivated while wild shrimp are left unable to grow in their natural habitats (Boone Kauffman et al., 2017). This unsustainable practice depletes marine ecosystems and leads to a significant loss of biodiversity.
The impact on shrimp stock is further exacerbated by the environmental degradation of critical habitats, such as mangroves, which play essential roles in coastal ecology. The destruction of these habitats, driven largely by large-scale shrimp farms, disrupts local ecosystems and leads to a decline in essential nutrients necessary to maintain healthy marine life (Biao & Kaijin, 2007).
Social Costs and Externalities
The social costs of shrimp farming in China are alarming. Pollution is rampant, with an estimated 4 billion tons of industrial waste and 200,000 tons of untreated sewage being generated annually (Costa et al., 2013). Chemicals and antibiotics frequently used in shrimp farming pose severe risks to both environmental and human health, leading to contamination of nearby water bodies and affecting local communities (Cao et al., 2011). The disruption of these waters creates a cascading effect, where reduced biodiversity alters local food chains and diminishes the populations of other species critical for ecological balance.
Externalities are inherent in these practices, particularly concerning industry's carbon footprint. Shrimp farming contributes significantly to carbon emissions, owing to sedimentation processes that alter water chemistry, impacting pH levels and dissolved oxygen in surrounding waters (Boyd & Clay, 1998). These changes can produce inhospitable environments for marine species, further jeopardizing biodiversity.
Solutions and Current Legislation
Potential solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of shrimp farming start with promoting sustainable practices. Certification initiatives such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) encourage better farming practices by requiring compliance with environmental responsibilities (Ge et al., 2018). Large buyers in the shrimp market are beginning to express rising demands for sustainably farmed shrimp, creating an opportunity for small-scale operations that prioritize ecological and social integrity.
Moreover, awareness and education among farmers regarding the long-term implications of their practices can lead to necessary behavioral changes. Instead of intensive farming that destroys habitats and utilizes harmful chemicals, practices based on integrated aquaculture, which promotes biodiversity and reduces reliance on external inputs, should be advanced (Xuliang Zhang et al., 2006). For instance, integrating shrimp farming with seaweed cultivation can help provide a solution to some of the ecological and economic issues faced (Ge et al., 2018).
Legislative Approach
Government regulations can also play a critical role in shaping the industry's future, ensuring that environmental protection norms are adhered to. Stronger legislation enforcing sustainable practices, habitat preservation, and waste management will be essential in balancing economic gains with environmental stewardship (Biao et al., 2004).
Conclusion
The exploitation of shrimp farming in China presents a paradox: while it offers economic benefits and addresses global food security concerns, it simultaneously wreaks havoc on marine ecosystems and contributes to social inequities. Through comprehensive strategies focusing on sustainable practices, education, and robust legislation, it is possible to align the shrimp farming industry with environmental and social welfare goals. Future initiatives must strike a balance between economic growth and ecological integrity, ensuring a sustainable future for both shrimp farming and the coastal communities that depend on it.
References
1. Abdullah, A. et al. (2017). The impact of the expansion of shrimp aquaculture on livelihoods in coastal Bangladesh. Environment, Development & Sustainability, 19(5), 2093–2114.
2. Biao, X., Zhuhong, D. and Xiaorong, W. (2004). Impact of the intensive shrimp farming on the water quality of the adjacent coastal creeks from Eastern China. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 48, 543–553.
3. Biao, X. and Kaijin, Y. (2007). Shrimp farming in China: operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives. Ocean and Coastal Management, 50, 538–550.
4. Boone Kauffman, J. et al. (2017). The jumbo carbon footprint of a shrimp: carbon losses from mangrove deforestation. Frontiers in Ecology & the Environment, 15(4), 183–188.
5. Boyd, C., Clay, J. (1998). Shrimp aquaculture and the environment. Scientific American, 278, 58-65.
6. Cao, L., Diana, J., Keoleian, G. and Lai, Q. (2011). Life Cycle Assessment of Chinese Shrimp Farming Systems Targeted for Export and Domestic Sales. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(15), 6531–6538.
7. Costa, B. et al. (2013). Mercury distribution in a mangrove tidal creek affected by intensive shrimp farming. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology, 90(5), 537–541.
8. Ge, H. et al. (2018). Integration of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and green seaweed (Ulva prolifera) in minimum-water exchange aquaculture system. Journal of Applied Phycology.
9. Xuliang Zhang et al. (2006). Changes of hydrological environment and their influences on coastal wetlands in the southern Laizhou Bay, China. Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, 119(1–3), 97–106.
10. Ya-Yan Liu et al. (2010). Valuation of shrimp ecosystem services - a case study in Leizhou City, China. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 17(3), 217–224.