Marine Shrimp Farming in Bangladesh - Case Study Example

Name: Professor: Subject: Date: Marine Shrimp Farming in Bangladesh Introduction Marine shrimp cultivation entails shrimp production in an enclosed or controlled water body. There can be the use of both fresh and saline water. Shrimp is among the leading products of export in Bangladesh and is the second export earner, contributing greatly to the economy of Bangladesh. Among the countries producing shrimp, Bangladesh is number four regarding shrimp farming area and number six in production volume. 97% of the shrimp produced in the country is exported, and this contributes to four percent of the country's GDP. The sector also employs approximately 1.2 million people. Approximately 300,000 shrimp farmers from Bangladesh produce approximately 170,000 tons of shrimp each year. Bangladesh global market segment for shrimp is about 2.5%. The country is number 12 regarding cultured producer of shrimp. The major destinations of Bangladesh shrimp are the USA (26%), Russia (3%), Belgium (21%), Germany (8%), Netherlands (5%), Japan (4%) and others (21%) (Rahman 1). Although there are numerous benefits associated with shrimp farming, it has led to the destruction of the mangrove forest. It was until 1989 when the Bangladesh government banned the destruction of the mangrove forest through fishing. The earthen ponds used for shrimp farming are created from seawater and freshwater. Creating these ponds means that there is the conversion of native habitats, for example, mangrove forests, and traditional land for agriculture, as well as salt marshes. There is also the alternation of the power dynamics of the community as well as a change in the use of the land. There is also the undermining of the social stability whereby there are cases where those opposing this kind of farming are subjected to harsh treatment including rape. Apart from that, there is a reduction in the capacity for the production of food locally since most of the local resources are geared towards the production of shrimp products. There is also the destruction of the ecosystem provided by the native habitats. The high concentration of salt has led to a reduction in denitrifying microorganisms and has affected the ammonifiers. There is a variation of acetobacter population depending on the salt concentration. When there is an increase in water's solute concentration, there is the commencement of cellular dehydration meaning that the microorganism will die. Apart from that, there is an increase in the fungi number with an increase in the saline level. There are cases where shrimp farmers have ended u killing animals thinking that they can harm shrimp (Barbier, Edward, & Suthawan 5). Expression of a likely Viewpoint from a Local Village Elder Shrimp farming has led to the release of saline water, and this has made the traditional agriculture difficult. In most cases, shrimp farming is unplanned, and this has affected the agriculture yields, soil, biodiversity, ecology, and sustainability especially in the coastal parts of Bangladesh. There are also adverse health effects of shrimp farming and this mainly affected the poor farmers. Many farmers have also abandoned rice farming. There has also been a reduction in crop production mainly because there is high salt content in the soil's root zone. There is also an increase in the salinity of the ground water and this make the water not suitable for irrigation. There is also the depletion of nutrients from the soil, and this is mainly because of the soil salinity. The quality of the soil has also been degraded. Apart from that, there has been an adverse effect on the local vegetation, livestock, environment, population health, population health, as well as disease patterns. Apart from that, more land has been used for shrimp farming leading to the deforestation, and this affects the overall climate of the area (Jahan & Hasneen 54). There is a serious hampering of the crop cultivation. Consequently, the decline the productivity of rice has led to a loss of income among the peasant farmers. A loss of livestock and poultry and erosion of social forestry and homestead vegetation is also a common occurrence. There has been the massive utilization of land that was once utilized for paddy growing. The poor people also spend the large part of their day in creeks and rivers to correct shrimp fry. Their long stay in the deep water amplifies their health problems, for instance, skin infection. There has been contamination of water bodies with high salinity level and this compromise the survival of freshwater organism. Today, the soil has been rendered infertile by shrimp farming, making the farmers become poorer. Apart from that, many people have lost their lives because of cyclones that severely hit areas that have no mangrove forest protection (Rahman 7). Expression from a Politician Representing Disaffected Farmers Shrimp farming has led to a destruction of the social system and environmental ecosystem. The high rate of mangrove forest destruction, as well as occupation of wetland for shrimp cultivation, is common occurrences in Bangladesh. While there is the maintenance of intensive yields as well as high returns by shrimp ponds, it requires a large area. Aquaculture shrimp production has led to a destruction of large areas of tropical wetlands. Mangrove forests are on the verge of destruction due to massive destruction to pave a way for shrimp farming. There is also extreme fishing pressure for shrimp fries reverse coastal areas' species. Apart from that, this practice also destroys the environmental ecosystem of the coastal area. There has been an eradication of natural mangrove vegetation in many parts of Bangladesh. Apart from that, the construction of dikes, as well as canals, alters irreversible as well as hydrological coastal areas' characteristics. Wherever a pond stops being useful after every three to six years, there is the movement of farmers along rice fields as well as coastal mangroves to ensure that there are more rooms for more ponds. Therefore, unplanned farming of shrimp lessens paddy rice, vegetables, rabi crops as well as other agro-products' production(Gordon & Daniel 47). The increase in soil erosion and salt sedimentation on soil, organic manure, and livestock adversely affect the yield of crops. Concurrently, it causes harm to the ecology, soil, and cause environmental pollution in Bangladesh. Presently, the nation is experiencing natural disasters such as tidal waves and cyclones each year because of the rise in the global warming contributed to deforestation, weak defence in the coastal areas, and mangrove forest destruction. The destruction of mangrove wetlands, as well as biodiversity, leads to the occurrence of cyclones. Deforestation has increased the vulnerability of the area to decrease defence of the coast and the intrusion of the sea water when cyclones strike. Therefore, the cultivation of shrimp compounds the security of the environment. A research conducted by Duke University and the University of Delhi studied deaths caused by storm due to massive cyclones. The study found that there were fewer deaths in areas that were covered by mangrove forests. Dreadfully, replacing mangrove by the shrimp farming has made people be bankrupt, leaving them with no food or protection (Jahan & Hasneen 79). Expression of a likely Viewpoint from a Marine Shrimp Exporter Shrimp farming is one of the most important economic activities in Bangladesh. Although there is a low production of the production in the nation, there is a potential for a higher production. Many people in Bangladesh have found a livelihood in the shrimp farming industry. The shrimp business has employed many people. This form of farming provides protein, preventing overfishing in seas. There is a massive demand for shrimp all over the world. The business is among the most profitable today. The business is a top foreign earner in the country. There is also an improvement of food supply since the farmers can consume protein provided by the shrimp. They can also sell shrimp to buy other forms of food. The Farmers can also purchase non-staple foods, and this will improve the dietary intake among the people. Although there is a high demand for the product, there is a low production of the same. Since there is a decline in the ocean fisheries, there is a need to invest more on shrimp farming since this will enhance a high production of the much-needed protein (Finkl, Charles, Makowski 37). The sector's influences the economy in some ways and these include: Nutritional benefits from fish consumption Income to the people who are directly or indirectly employed in the sector Revenue generation from taxation, and license fee The sector has also made more fish to be available for local consumption, improving the overall nutritional status of the Bangladeshis. This leads to improved nutritional and food security and reduces prevalence and incidence of poverty (Gordon & Daniel 78). Conclusion and Recommendation Although shrimp farming is an important economic activity, there are numerous environmental implications associated with this form of farming. Despite this, there is continuous growth and exportation of the commodity. Unless a mechanism is in place to address these challenges, shrimp farming remains to be a risky business. Among the risks facing this form of farming include biological ones such as pathogen infection; environmental risks such as severe weather; and operational risks such as work-related injuries and poor planning. For a long time, Bangladesh has been practicing shrimp culture. Among other problems facing the sector include widespread corruption, lack of monitoring, as well as failure to have an integrated policy for the industry (Rahman 11). Due to increased demand for shrimp in the globe, the product is among the most exported. Despite this, several strategies are needed to address the problems facing the sector. There is a need to adopt better methods of farming as well as planning of the land. Abandoning of shrimp ponds owing to poor ponds or inappropriate location lead to social-economic and environmental problems. There is a need to adopt closed systems as well as other practices that will enhance the suitability of the shrimp farming. There is also a need to change the principle of polluter-pay that has been applied by farmers for a long time, to ensure that it is complying with the environmental standards. Apart from that, it is important to pass some costs of sustainability on to the consumers who ultimately pollute the ecosystem. Since the government and the donor agencies have been responsible for the development of the industry, they should also encourage improved social, environmental, as well as natural management of resources. They should also support efforts to conserve, restore, as well as replant mangrove forest to support the livelihood of the coastal people. They should also be in the forefront in the effort to rehabilitate the ponds that have been abandoned(Barbier, Edward, & Suthawan 34). Works Cited Barbier, Edward, and Sathirathai Suthawan. Shrimp Farming and Mangrove Loss in Bangladesh. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub, 2013. Print. Finkl, Charles W, and Christopher Makowski. Environmental Management and Governance: Advances in Coastal and Marine Resources. , 2015. Print. Gordon, Daniel V. An Intra-Farm Study of Production Factors and Productivity for Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh: An Index Approach. Portsmouth: Centre for the Economics and Management of Aquatic Resources, University of Portsmouth, 2008. Print. Jahan, Hasneen. Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of Shrimp Farming: A Study in the Southwest Coast of Bangladesh. Saarbrücken, Germany: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012. Print. Rahman, A A. Shrimp Farming and Industry: Sustainability, Trade and Livelihoods. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, 2006. Print. Read More