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The Shrimp Boom and Its Toll on Ecuador’s MangrovesIn the Jambelí Archipelago, Johana Carolina Cruz Potes still gathers black‑shelled cockles from mangrove roots, but the area she works in is shrinking as shrimp farms spread across the coast.Rapid Expansion of Shrimp Farming Drives Mangrove LossOver the past decade, Ecuador’s shrimp production has nearly quadrupled, overtaking oil as the nation’s top export. The industry’s growth has pushed farms into landscapes already scarred by historic deforestation.Between 1969‑1999, up to 43% of Ecuador’s mangroves were lost.Current shrimp ponds now cover about 1.5 times the area of the remaining mangroves.Most new ponds are built by clearing mangrove trees to create shallow ponds.Quantifying the Environmental Cost: Hectares Lost and Export GrowthSatellite and supply‑chain data reveal the scale of conversion:427 ha of mangrove were turned into shrimp ponds between 2014‑2018 (mainly in Guayas province).An additional 2,900 ha disappeared in the following four years, with nearly half inside protected areas.Shrimp exports have risen fivefold after tariffs were removed, now flowing primarily to China, the US and Europe.Why Mangrove Decline Threatens Coastal Communities and BiodiversityLocal fishers like Cruz Potes see their traditional shellfish catches dwindle as mangrove roots disappear. Researchers such as Eduardo Rebolledo Monsalve stress that mangrove loss is ongoing, not a relic of the past.Mangroves act as natural coastal buffers, protecting against erosion and storm surges.They provide critical nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans, supporting food security.Deforestation undermines the livelihoods of families who depend on shellfish and small‑scale fishing.Future Outlook: Policy Gaps and the Need for Sustainable PracticesAlthough mangrove clearing is now officially prohibited, on‑the‑ground enforcement remains weak. Industry groups claim conversion is near zero, yet satellite evidence contradicts this.Strengthening monitoring and penalties could curb illegal pond expansion.Adopting mangrove‑friendly aquaculture techniques would allow shrimp production without further habitat loss.International buyers can drive change by demanding traceable, deforestation‑free shrimp.