December 17, 2004

Shrimp Farmed in Hawaii Boosted by Eco-friendly Designation

The group Environmental Defense has listed US farmed shrimp on its "Eco-Best'' list of seafood that is a good choice. This "eco-friendly'' designation could mean a boost for Hawaii's shrimp farmers.

The organization lists seafood that is not only ecologically friendly but also healthy to eat because it is low in contaminants.

Shrimp farming and other aquaculture are growing businesses in Hawaii.

Sales last year total nearly 28 million dollars, about 10 percent higher than the year before.

Shrimp grown in the United States represent less than one percent of the total shrimp consumed. Environmental Defense says that 90 percent of the shrimp sold in the United States is imported from Latin America and Southeast Asia where environmental regulations are lax for wild fisheries and farms.