In the past decade, the United States has surpassed Japan as the world’s largest shrimp market. As of 2004 the United States imported 1.5 billion pounds of shrimp from around the world, while producing 300 million pounds domestically to meet the rising consumption demands. These demands rose 5% (.2 lbs) in 2004 to 4.2 pounds per capita, which accounted for more than 25% of all seafood consumed in the U.S.
Given the amount of shrimp produced domestically and abroad using various (questionable) means, one should remain skeptical about the long-term effects of traditional methods of shrimp farming on our environment as well as our bodies. Shrimp farming has been linked to a number of environmentally harmful repercussions that include but are not limited to:
- the destruction of mangrove forests
- the eutrophication and nitrification of coastlines
- by-catch associated with trawling
- discharge associated with earlier forms of aquaculture
Some methods of shrimp farming, especially in Asia, can potentially affect the long-term health of the consumer. Certain farms use an antibiotic on their shrimp called chorophenicol that has been linked to cancer. The European Union has taken precautions by banning shrimp imported from Asian farms known to have used this antibiotic.
Analyzing these statistics and detrimental realities, origins and impact it is indisputable why Marvesta’s product is integral for changing the climate of and improving the shrimp industry. Given the large import deficit, Marvesta is proud to offer a high quality domestic product produced primarily in Maryland. Our recent partnership with RDM has created the opportunity for commercial growers to partake in our successful shrimp harvesting business, thus expanding the operation to areas throughout the United States. The innovative design implemented by Marvesta allows us to avoid the drawbacks mentioned above that are associated with traditional shrimp farming:
- We are an indoor re-circulating facility without any discharge concerns.
- Our facility is located 50 miles inland so by-catch associated with trawling is completely eliminated.
- Our location inland also means we are not polluting our oceans and bays.
- Our shrimp are antibiotic and pathogen-free.
We at Marvesta have done everything with an eye on being environmentally friendly and one day even organic.