Cumulative environmental effects of low salinity shrimp farming in Thailand

Abstract

The cumulative environmental effects of low salinity shrimp farming in the Bangpakong River Basin, eastern Thailand, were investigated using a GIS-assisted approach. Water supply, water quality, and agricultural land use were used to represent key environmental resources. Shrimp farming is a major consumer of freshwater, but cumulative effects on water supplies are probably negligible because of ample rainfall and similar water consumption of rice and shrimp crops. Assessment of water quality effects focused on organic nutrient loading. Low salinity shrimp farming was a significant new source of organic pollution. Agricultural land use effects were evaluated using land conversion and soil suitability ratings. Soil productivity has been degraded as a result of direct salinization of shrimp pond bottom soils; indirect salinization may affect a considerably larger area. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.