Exceeding a billion pounds each year, shrimp is the most-consumed seafood in the U.S., ahead of salmon and canned tuna. To meet this demand, wild and farmed shrimp from across the globe fill American plates. Argentina’s Patagonian Wild Red Shrimp, prized for its pristine habitat and flavor, drives a thriving domestic industry and attracts fishermen and entrepreneurs with jobs and profit. Yet its biomass keeps growing despite intense fishing, a paradox that raises questions about trawling’s long-term impacts and the true health of the stock.
2024 @pulitzercenter
The Patagonian shrimp industry, centered in Chubut, Argentina, has brought significant economic prosperity to the region but also raised concerns about the impact on marine health and sovereignty. The intensive fishing practices associated with the industry have led to bycatch, pollution, and negative effects on other marine species and industries. The story highlights the need for careful regulation and consideration of the delicate balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.
2024 @pulitzercenter
