But the price of this newfound wealth has been high. Cultures and values have been altered, often with devastating consequences. And in many places, the delicate ecologies that millions of people depend upon for their living are being ravaged by a headlong rush to collect on the world shrimp boom. While Dulah has money to spend for the first time in his life, the possibility of disaster haunts him. He is still paying off his initial loan, and he must borrow each year to finance his operation.
Diseases frequently wipe out shrimp crops.
Maintaining water quality is a constant struggle. Over time, a buildup of waste products from the ponds often renders them useless. When that happens, neither shrimp nor rice farming is possible. But I didn't worry much about it. Shrimp farming isn't such hard work, but I'm worrying a lot more.