Environmental Impact Assessment of Semi-Intensive Shrimp Farms in the Coastal Regions of Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was performed to assess the environmental impact of shrimp farming on local ecosystem and adjacent community in relation to the country. It is assumed that shrimp farming has some negative consequences on the animal welfare, environment sustainability, people’s livelihood pattern and living conditions in coastal, rural and urban areas. At the same time shrimp industry not only brings economic velocity in national economy but also generates economic solvency to millions of people in country. However, the country cannot compete profitably in international market because of low productivity, poor farm management, proper land utilization and lack of hygiene practice throughout the production. This paper attempts to identify environmental changes due to shrimp farming activities on three selective shrimp farms of Shymanagar and Tekaf Upazila and their adjacent communities and areas. It was conducted based on several focus group discussion, multiple interviews, community meetings and laboratory analysis of soil for electrical conductivity measurement.