Sustainable shrimp farming in Bangladesh: A quest for an Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Shrimp farming in Bangladesh has been expanded rapidly following huge demand in the international market. This fast development is however accompanied by lack of adequate planning and regulation at the national policy level. This unplanned and haphazard shrimp farming is gathering considerable debate due to its negative environmental and socio-economic consequences. This paper first investigates the nature of adverse impacts of unregulated shrimp farming in the coastal region of the country. In that respect, the article makes a thorough evaluation of existing regulatory and institutional framework regarding shrimp farming in Bangladesh. Ultimately, the paper argues that a paradigm shift is required from the present sectoral approach of resource management. Finally, it recommends to pursue a holistic approach together with integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles into national laws and policies for sustainable shrimp farming in Bangladesh.

► New legal arrangements required for coastal shrimp farming in Bangladesh. ► Policy integration is mandatory to create a balance between the expansion of Farming and protecting the environment. ► Institutional coordination necessary between shrimp farming and other users of the coastal zone. ► Community Participation and Coastal Zoning have to be encouraged. ► A local monitoring system can reduce the social, economic and environmental impacts of shrimp farming.