1. Threats to Mangroves A2 Geography

2. Learning Objectives Understand the nature and extent of mangrove loss What are the drivers of change Understand the problems associated with Human activity within Mangroves, including exploitation Appreciate the consequences of climate change on Mangrove forests

3. Mangrove Loss Over 50% of the world’s original mangroves have now been lost A size similar to 13 UK’s By 2007 less 15 million left hectares left Currently the rate of loss is 1% p.a. (Roughly the size of London)

4. Rates of Loss Thailand has lost over half of its mangroves since 1961 The Philippines 40% were lost to aquaculture between 1918 and 1988 By 1993 123,000 hectares were left (70% loss in 70yrs) Ecuador – Mangrove loss is estimated to range between 20% to 50% of the 362,000 hectares of mangrove forested coast.

5. Why? Think in groups why this might happen and write them down on the post it notes provided Think why do we deem this a palatable thing to do.

6. Asia has lost 50% due to aquaculture (38% Shrimp. 14% fish) 25% due to deforestation. 11% to upstream freshwater diversion. Latin America – Mainly due to the expansion of agriculture and cattle rearing, as well as the cutting of fuelwood and building materials as well as the establishment of a shrimping industry.

7. Drivers of Change What are the main threats to biodiversity: Habitat change Climate change Invasive species Over-exploitation Pollution Habitat change Climate change Invasive Species Over-Exploitation Pollution (N, P) Coastal Wetlands

8. Shrimp Farming in Thailand Case Study (LEDC)

9. Shrimping Been done in Thailand for over 60 years Traditional method now known as ‘Extensive production’ Shrimp (Known as ‘fry’) are trapped in salt beds and padi-fields around estuaries and harvested when mature. Between 1970 -1990 the coastal shrimp industry expanded massively With help from the govt the shrimping industry became more intensive

10. Why To help meet global demand Exported to USA (500,000 tonnes a year – 2003) Japan = 250,000 tonnes France, Spain, UK and Italy = 500,000 tonnes Since 1990’s amount consumed in Thailand has also increased – rising incomes due to improved economic conditions Increase in tourist industry.

11. Production

12. Land Conversion

13. Shrimp farming area and Mangrove area

14. Impacts of the Industry What are the positive impacts of the industry? Shrimp farming has had positive impacts such as increased wealth leading to improved infrastructure and reduction in migration to Bangkok many are negative

15. Negatives Effluent from shrimp farms has to be removed before next crop cycle begins It is full of decaying food, shells and chemicals (Antibiotics)

16. If chemicals get discharged into mangroves this can have a harmful effect on biodiversity Conflicts arise due to this discharge Constant threat of disease and infection Rice fields and channels suffer from salinisation Depletion of biodiversity in shrimp farms and surround areas Loss of mangrove forest or fertile land Degradation of the soil due to salinisation Deterioration of water quality

17. Future? Marine shrimp culture along the coast is one of the main economic activities in the country It provides employment and earns national income Without management the environment maybe damaged beyond repair Governments should promote the development of marine shrimp culture along the coast but before implementation, a development plan should be formulated and good management practices should be specified

18. Department of Fisheries, Bangkok advice on Shrimp farming A land use plan should be formulated which does not allow the utilisation of mangrove for shrimp culture. The most suitable area for shrimp farming is rice fields or unused low land beyond the mangrove. The level of such land will be not over 1–2 m above the high tide level. To provide infrastructure which supports the shrimp culture industry such as drainage canals, roads, electricity and other necessary services. Control and enforcement of farm practices will be done by the official agency. To provide education on farm and water management to farm owners and farm operators before they start farming. Monitoring of sea water quality along the coast will be routinely conducted and information on water quality transferred to the farmers. Shrimp pond wastes will not be discharged directly into natural water ways. The waste treatment pond will be attached to the farm system and waste must be treated before discharge. Research on farm management, disease and parasite problems must be conducted and findings regularly transferred to the farmers

19. Climate Change Threats to Mangroves

20. Links to AS I in 10 people live less than 10m above sea level near the coast Asia contains 75% of these people Global warming leads to: Increased Arctic ice cap melt Greenpeace predict sea levels to rise between 15 – 95cm this century This could cause some shorelines to retreat by upto 200m

21. Carbon Sequestration

22. Mangroves take up about 1.5million tonnes/hectare/year Current removal means we are losing 220,000 tonnes of sequestration potential High levels of carbon in the soils is dug up and also released Removal of mangroves means carbon release is often 50 times higher than rate of sequestration By converting 2% of mangroves it effectively means all advantages of sequestration are lost

23. Mangrove time bomb

24. Mangrove Benefits Healthy mangroves can act as a buffer zone between the coastal fringes and inland areas Increases are expected in hurricanes and cyclones and the mangrove can help protect land Protect against coastal erosion

25. However Rising seas levels will swamp the forests nullifying their benefit Mangroves need a buffer zone themselves to develop and re-establish above the rising low tide – this too maybe lost

26. Over- Harvesting Mangrove trees serve many purposes Fuelwood Construction material Wood Chip and pulp production Charcoal Animal fodder Harvesting has been going on for centuries but it is no longer sustainable

27. Over Exploitation of Marine Life Unregulated fishing is depleting fish stocks As stocks of one become uneconomic to exploit people are simply turning to another Decline in biodiversity, loss of income and jobs Over fishing alters the food chain and webs and mangroves communities can be altered as a result

28. Other Threats Tourism Removal for golf courses Building of new cruise ship ports Marinas Hotels, apartments and restaurants

29. Oil Exploration Deforestation Changes in Soil pH Discharge of solids and liquid waste

30. Other Threats Domestic and Industrial waste Waste from aquaculture Exploration of minerals

32. What are the drivers of change

33. Understand the problems associated with Human activity within Mangroves, including exploitation

35. Links Shrimp Culture in Thailand The Rise and Fall of the Blue Revolution The Impact of International fish trade on Food security in Thailand Manu Potaros, Department of Fisheries, Bangkok