The Importance of Green Belt for Shrimp Farming

Among all the aspects that should be taken into consideration for shrimp farming, building ponds behind green belt zones such as mangrove forests is one of them. In fact, this is regulated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 63/PERMEN-KP/2017. More specifically, the mangrove area should be at least 200 meters from the shoreline.

Benefits of shrimp farming behind green belt zones

Positioning shrimp ponds behind green belt zones is more than just complying with existing regulations. There are many benefits for both the shrimp farmer and the environment, such as:

1. Protecting the pond from erosions, abrasions, and strong winds that might damage pond facilities
2. Acting as a biofilter to reduce toxins, heavy metals, H2S, and pathogens
3. Increase the fertility of the soil around it
4. Becoming nursery grounds and feeding grounds for aquatic organisms 

Mangroves, which are the most common type of green belt zones, are important coastal wetland ecosystems with many significant environmental and socio-economic functions. Mangroves provide a large supply of wood and other forest products, and act as a habitat for mammals, birds, and aquatic species. The livelihoods of many local communities depend on mangrove ecosystems. 

Read more: Should Trees Be Planted Around Shrimp Farms?

Constructing shrimp farms behind mangrove areas, or ‘mangrove-shrimp farming’, is one of the ways to prevent mangrove degradation and loss. Mangroves and shrimp farms can continue to co-exist while bringing mutual benefits to various parties.

Best practices for mangrove-shrimp farming

To ensure that the green belt zones are well-conserved when shrimp farming, here are some tips for farmers to keep in mind and implement:

1. Reduce feed loss through better feeding strategies, such as using auto-feeders, conducting  waste treatment and biofiltration
2. As much as possible, refrain from using chemicals, drugs, and antibiotics that harm the environment
3. Minimize use of ground freshwater, filter water prior to usage
4. Use good quality stock (SPF and SPR)
5. Ensure health and welfare of every worker involved in shrimp farming

Successful applications of mangrove-shrimp farming - Vietnam

The loss of mangroves due to aquaculture expansion is one of the issues faced by Vietnam. This causes the increased frequency and intensity of both floods and droughts. 

Vietnam has started exploring ecosystem approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, one of them is by shrimp farming behind green belt zones or mangroves. Not only that, the shrimp they produce also meets European organic standards. Shrimp farmers have been protecting mangroves and providing certified organic shrimp. Ca Mau province plans to expand the certified area from 20,000 hectares in 2020 to 118,000 by 2030.

Shrimp farming is more than a business because it impacts the natural environment around it. Correctly positioning shrimp ponds behind green belt zones is not enough. Before taking any action for your farm, be sure to thoroughly consider the impact it has on the environment. 

Source:

How Mangrove-Friendly Shrimp Farming Is Protecting the Mekong Delta

Ashton, E.C. (2008) “The impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems.,” CABI Reviews, 2008. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1079/pavsnnr20083003.