A view from the community: The social aspects of shrimp farming in South Texas

The largest segment of the U.S. shrimp industry is located in Texas. Nine shrimp farms are currently operating on the Texas coast and consist of 1500 acres of producing shrimp ponds. Worldwide, the shrimp industry has received attention for its environmental, social and economic impact on surrounding communities. The goal of this study is to determine the perceived influences of shrimp farming on the South Texas environment and social structure. Specific objectives are to: (1) identify groups influenced by shrimp culture, (2) determine perceptions of individual groups of the influence of shrimp culture on the environment and (3) on the social structure.; Methodology consisted of interviews of experts and distribution of a survey instrument to impacted groups. Instrumentation consisted of a questionnaire accompanied by a cover letter with a self addressed stamped envelope. Survey results were analyzed statistically to determine group differences.