Shrimp farming and its sustainability : Ecological footprint analysis
Saowalak Roongtawanreongsri, F. of Environmental Management, PSU.
Corresponding e-mail : rsaowala@ratree.psu.ac.th
Published : J. of Env. Research 1999, 21(1) : 58-75 and 21(2) : 51-75
Key words : ecological footprint, ecosystem support area, shrimp farming, rice farming, mangroves, sustainability
This paper investigates the use of an ecological approach, ecological footprinting applied to shrimp aquaculture in Thailand, and alternative land uses: rice farming and mangroves. Ecological footprinting shows the dependence of the activities on external ecosystem support areas. It is shown that the intensive shrimp farming is unlikely to be sustainable because it draws large support from external ecosystems. Mangroves and rice farming are more sustainable than shrimp farming, being less dependent on external support areas. The results of the study suggest some policy implications for
the Thai government.
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