Shrimp aquaculture development has generated significant ecological, economic, and social change in Central American coastal regions.  It is clear from existing research that aquaculture has provided few benefits for residents of this region.  Many conflicts have flared over resource allocation disparities between community residents and aquaculture farm owners or other powerful interests.  The current international push for sustainable development has caused several Central American nations to respond by implementing, among other things, coastal zone management plans.  However, it seems that even though such programs have been instituted, aquaculture-related social ecological problems continue.  The study of cultural models can explain how coastal communities, government policy makers, and other key stakeholder groups feel they are affected by aquaculture, and delineate how they want coastal zone management policies to address these needs.  This approach should thus enhance the dialogue between stakeholders to facilitate the development of more effective coastal resource policies.

Keywords: shrimp aquaculture, cultural models, coastal resource management