Integrated Strategy to Promote a Sustainable Shrimp Mariculture Industry in Ecuador
As the world's leading producer of cultured shrimp since 1983, Ecuador has profited from its shrimp mariculture industry; however, the industry has also been the major cause of changes in Ecuador's coastal ecosystems. This report presents in summary form the principal findings and recommendations developed by the A.I.D. Coastal Resources Management Project for developing a sustainable shrimp mariculture industry in Ecuador. Coastal management issues which are discussed include the declining quality of water, the shortage of post larvae, and the management of wild shrimp stocks. Because the shrimp industry provides important foreign exchange, the report also presents findings and recommendations on measures to safeguard the economic vitality of the industry and encourage the appropriate level of involvement by the Government of Ecuador. Two other issues, technical assistance and public education, are briefly discussed. A concluding section proposes future roles for the project in the continued management of Ecuador's coastal resources.