DISUSED SHRIMP PONDS - OPTIONS FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF MANGROVES

Associated with the rapid increase in the production of cultured marin e shrimp has been large-scale conversion of mangroves to shrimp ponds. Production in many regions has proved to be unsustainable, largely du e to inappropriate construction methods, poor environmental conditions , overstocking, and disease. A number of shrimp ponds consequently are unproductive and lie idle. Accurate assessments of pond disuse are di fficult to obtain; however, unofficial estimates have suggested that a s many as 70% of ponds may be disused after a period in production. Po nd construction, shrimp culture, and pond disuse lead to alterations t o the physical and chemical properties of soil, hydrological condition s, and the flora and fauna composition of the pond area. The case for restoration, or rehabilitation to a sustainable use, is strong. Consid eration must be given to the causes of production failure, the environ mental conditions remaining following disuse, the needs and preference s of pond owners and coastal managers, and technical constraints.