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Grim Fishing Practices

Posted on February 15, 2008 by Chelsea Wieber
Countries: Jamaica

The International Herald Tribune reports today on a grim occurrence in Jamaica that is becoming more common for the world's rivers. The giant shrimp famous in Jamaica are disappearing as people have started dumping poison in the Rio Grande to catch larger quantities. Once the shrimp contact the poison they quickly float to the top, and the fisherman only needs to catch the shrimp before they are washed downstream. The poisoned shrimp are then brought to market and consumed by the community, causing health problems ranging from diarrhea to severe stomach aches and vomiting. Deeply traditional area residents have started to rise up to protect their river and the cultural importance of the shrimp. Those caught poisoning the river are punished but many fishermen will go on to offend again because the economic return for their effort is so high.

Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheftami/56510231/">taminsea (flickr)</a>
Photo: taminsea (flickr)
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