Integrated shrimp-mangrove farming systems in the Mekong delta of Vietnam

In recent years, mangroves have been seriously threatened by shrimp culture development in the Mekong delta of Vietnam, As one way of protecting the mangroves, efforts have been made to develop shrimp-mangrove integrated farming systems through State Forestry Fisheries Enterprises (SFFEs), involving a participatory approach, The present study investigated the shrimp-mangrove farming systems in Ngoc Hien district at the southern tip of the Mekong delta through a detailed farm-level survey, including technical, environmental, social and economic factors, A total of 161 shrimp-mangrove farms on the east and west coasts of Ngoc Hien district were surveyed, The results showed that on the East coast of the delta, the pH of the bottom soil, the water alkalinity, gate width ratio (ratio of gate width to pond area), pond age and mangrove density, and flooding level of 'flat' (flat is where the mangroves are planted) in the dry and rainy seasons were significantly correlated with shrimp pond yields. On the west coast, the pH of the bottom soil, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, ditch area, and flooding level of 'flat' were found to be significantly correlated with shrimp pond yields, An economic analysis, based solely on the economic returns from shrimp culture showed that the farming systems with a mangrove coverage of 30-50% of the pond area gave the highest annual economic returns. The results demonstrate a better economic return to farmers who maintain mangroves in their farming systems.