How does shrimp farming affect mangroves?
How does shrimp farming affect mangroves?
Some forms of shrimp farming have had a devastating effect on mangroves around the world. These mangroves are vital for wildlife and coastal fisheries, and serve as buffers to the effects of storms. Their loss has destabilized entire coastal zones, with negative effects on coastal communities.
What percent of the mangroves were destroyed for shrimp aquaculture?
In Southeast Asia, shrimp farming is the cause of 30 percent of mangrove deforestation and coastal land use change.
Why were many mangroves removed in Thailand?
A report (PDF) from the Environmental Justice Foundation notes: “Evidence suggests that shrimp aquaculture has been a major contributor to global mangrove forest loss, and in a number of countries, it is considered to be the biggest threat to these ecosystems.” The report estimates that as much as 38 percent of recent …
What are the environmental economic and social impacts of replacing mangrove forests with shrimp farms?
The major issues of shrimp farming include the loss of important ecological and socio-economic functions of mangrove ecosystems, changes in hydrology, salinization, introduction of non-native species and diseases, pollution from effluents, chemicals and medicines, use of wild fish for feed, capture of wild shrimp seed …
Which ecosystem is most affected by shrimp farming in Southeast Asia?
Although clearing mangroves is illegal in many countries, it remains a threat in many areas. Conversion for shrimp farming has resulted in an estimated 238,319 hectares (ha) of mangroves over the last two decades in key producing countries.
Why is farmed shrimp bad?
Because they are raised in high concentrations and have underdeveloped immune systems, disease risk is high. To try to prevent and control disease, which can result in major losses, farms use chemicals. Those chemicals end up in waterways, where they are destructive to local ecosystems—and in the shrimp itself.
What are the benefits of shrimp farming?
A new study by World Wildlife Fund demonstrates that intensifying shrimp farming can yield better results for the environment and for the bottom line. Through research in Vietnam and Thailand, the study shows that farmers can increase shrimp production without increasing pressure on natural resources.
How do shrimp farms work?
In the grow-out phase, the shrimp are grown to maturity. The postlarvae are transferred to ponds where they are fed until they reach marketable size, which takes about another three to six months. Harvesting the shrimp is done by fishing them from the ponds using nets or by draining the ponds.
What are the causes of mangroves destruction?
Population growth is a very significant influence the mangrove deforestation. Humans need room for home and economic activities for their livelihood. Human activities that influence deforestation are fishing, forest logging, coastal development, coastal engineering, aquaculture, tourism, recreation, and mining [68].
Why are mangrove forests destroyed?
Agriculture. Many thousands of acres of mangrove forest have been destroyed to make way for rice paddies, rubber trees, palm oil plantations, and other forms of agriculture. Farmers often use fertilizers and chemicals, and runoff containing these pollutants makes its way into water supplies.
How is shrimp farming beneficial?
What country produces the most shrimp?
About 75% of the world production of farmed shrimp comes from Asian countries; the two leading nations being China and Thailand, closely followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. The other 25% are produced in the western hemisphere, where Latin American countries (Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico) dominate.
What is the impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems?
The impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems. There are many causes for mangrove loss but the conversion of mangroves to shrimp farms has caused considerable attention. The major issues of shrimp farming include the loss of important ecological and socio-economic functions of mangrove ecosystems, changes in hydrology, salinization,…
What are the major issues of shrimp farming?
The major issues of shrimp farming include the loss of important ecological and socio-economic functions of mangrove ecosystems, changes in hydrology, salinization, introduction of non-native species and diseases, pollution from effluents, chemicals and medicines, use of wild fish for feed,…
How can we manage mangrove forests better?
Better management practices have been identified which reduce impacts, increase efficiency and profits. Community-based management using partnerships, stewardships or multilateral cooperation schemes, together with integrated, mixed or mangrove-friendly aquaculture practices and mangrove rehabilitation should also be promoted.
