NATURAL RESOURCE USE FOR SHRIMP AQUACULTURE IN THAILAND  

Shrimp aquaculture in Thailand has been conducted for several decades. The industry has morphed from extensive to intensive farming. Understanding the trade-offs of the different natural resources used in aquaculture is paramount for WWF as we are concerned with the viability of our environment and the natural resources that are at its base. A study was conducted to determine the main natural resources used in shrimp aquaculture and to determine the link between farm profitability and natural resource use efficiency. A total of 40 shrimp farmers were interviewed in Rayong, Surat Thani, Samut Prakarn, Chanthaburi Provinces. The discussion will focus on the current production intensities and practices in the Thai shrimp aquaculture sector as they relate to natural resource use.