Environmental issues in brackish water shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka

Shrimp exports are one of Sri Lanka's major foreign exchange earners and ac count for 40%-50% of total aquaculture exports. There has been a recent and rapid expansion of the industry in the Northwestern Province (NWP) of Sri Lanka but the industry has suffered from dis-ease outbreaks and environment al problems. Currently, shrimp farms cover nearly 3000 ha of the coastal ar ea of the NWP. The environmental impacts of shrimp cultivation in general are well known a nd numerous research studies have been done. However, little work has been carried out in Sri Lanka. This study provides some necessary background to brackish water shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka. It focuses briefly on the d evelopment of shrimp aquaculture and the current status of the industry. Em phasis is placed on two broader aspects-impacts on the existing wetland eco system and on the environment. These impacts are presumed to be the main ca uses hindering the growth of the industry and raising widespread public pro test. Current ecosystem and environmental management practices are discusse d. Finally, strategic issues for management and sustainable growth are disc ussed.