The Shrimp farming dilemma

In this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast we explore the rapid growth of shrimp aquaculture in India within a globalised food system. We examine the economic opportunities the industry creates, including export growth and employment, while critically analysing its environmental and social impacts. Key issues include mangrove deforestation, water pollution, labour conditions, and the displacement of local farmers, alongside the imbalance between production in the Global South and consumption in wealthier regions. The episode concludes by assessing whether shrimp farming can become sustainable through improved regulation and ecosystem-based approaches, or whether its current model remains inherently unsustainable. Episode Host: Eleanor Greed Episode Guests: Tegan Ashford, Georgianna Baker Episode Editors: Aneisha Guha, Nishita Gopi Episode Scriptwriters/Research: Tegan Ashford, Georgianna Baker, Eleanor Greed, Aneisha Guha and Nishita Gopi. This episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.