Environmental Effects

Environmental Effects

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center - Earthshots

The environmental implications of the shrimp farm expansion are potentially far-reaching.

  • Fish meal fed to the shrimp can contaminate the environment
  • Antibiotics used on the shrimp are associated with human health problems
  • Misuse of antibiotics and other chemicals can affect groundwater quality
  • Mangrove forests are lost

 

The loss of the mangrove forests leads to further problems.

  • Increased risk of inland flooding
  • Degraded water quality can reduce catches by off-shore commercial fishers
  • A carbon sink area can become a carbon source

Imagery

Jan. 23, 1976, Landsat 2 (path/row 18/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Jan. 13, 1987, Landsat 5 (path/row 18/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Jan. 25, 2000, Landsat 7 (path/row 18/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Jan. 31, 2011, Landsat 5 (path/row 18/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Jan. 26, 2015, Landsat 8 (path/row 18/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Feb. 4, 2021, Landsat 8 (path/row 17/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
Jan. 17, 2023, Landsat 9 (path/row 17/51) — Shrimp farms on the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras and Nicaragua
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