The Gulf of Mexico is facing a formidable challenge as black tiger prawns invade its waters. The native species, including brown, white, and pink shrimp, now find themselves up against a formidable opponent.

The tiger shrimp, released unintentionally from a research facility in South Carolina in 1988, has rapidly spread its dominance across the Gulf. By 1990, these predators had already reached Florida, and their presence has been consistently reported in the Texas Gulf since then. The introduction of this invasive species has led to a direct competition for resources, particularly food, creating significant challenges for the shrimping industries in Texas.

Cannibalistic in nature, the tiger shrimp pose a threat to their smaller counterparts. Shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico have been grappling with the impact of these invasive giants for years. Since before 2011, a plea has been made to shrimpers to refrain from releasing any captured tiger shrimp back into the Gulf, recognizing the potential consequences of their unchecked proliferation.

One potential contributing factor to the spread of the tiger shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico is the presence of Caribbean facilities that farm black tiger prawns. The close proximity and interconnectedness of marine environments may have facilitated the migration of these formidable shrimp into Gulf waters. However, local authorities in Texas have taken a stand against the invasive species by prohibiting its farming within the state.