Characteristics of integrated mangrove-shrimp farming systems in Ben Tre Province, Vietnam: preliminary findings for organic shrimp production certification
Mangrove forests play a critical role in natural disaster resistance and provide meaningful livelihoods for local communities, especially integrated mangrove shrimp farming (IMSF) systems. Organic shrimp certification actually increases the value chains of shrimp farming in addition to ameliorating...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo
2024-04-01
|
| Series: | Ocean and Coastal Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.usp.br/ocr/article/view/222783 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Mangrove forests play a critical role in natural disaster resistance and provide meaningful livelihoods for local
communities, especially integrated mangrove shrimp farming (IMSF) systems. Organic shrimp certification actually
increases the value chains of shrimp farming in addition to ameliorating mangrove–forest management. Identifying
technical issues and assessing environmental risks are the leading concerns when considering organic shrimp
production certification. In this study, the technical practices of 30 households were investigated, and surface water
and sediment samples were collected in the IMSF models and adjacent rivers in the Thua Duc Forest Management
Board area, Ben Tre Province. Data collected from shrimp farming ponds and the environmental background
were referred to both the Naturland and National Standards. The results showed that the average mangrove
forest and shrimp pond ratio was 56.90:42.70 (%). Two technical issues were highlighted: (i) the use of rotenone,
known as a toxin to kill undesirable fish before stocking shrimp, and (ii) annual shrimp pond regeneration causing
increased pollution. The data showed that higher concentrations of TSS and P-PO4
3- were detected in surrounding
rivers, while surface water in either IMSF ponds or adjacent rivers slightly surpassed the permissible levels of
total Fe concentration. All parameters—including heavy metals; toxic and persistent parameters; oil and grease
and coliforms analysed in surface water, and sediment samples—were lower than the detection and permissible
levels. The results provided evidence that the IMSF’s practices and environmental characteristics were suitable for
recommending the Naturland Standards. Recommendations and technical interventions for farmers are necessary
to help reduce Fe levels and the safe use of rotenone in IMSF systems. An environmental quality monitoring
programme at the target area should be applied when launching organic shrimp production.
|
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2675-2824 |