Mariculture development in Kenya: alternatives to siting ponds in the mangrove ecosystem

Abstract

Pond culture of brackishwater prawns and shrimps has recently generated much interest in Kenya. The mangrove areas are the target zones for the construction of these ponds. With the increasing awareness of the unique ecological role played by the mangroves, there is an urgent need to stop the conversion of mangrove swamps into aquaculture ponds. To develop pond aquaculture without destroying the mangroves, a shift from tide-fed to pump-fed pond systems is recommended in order to divert the farming from the mangroves to higher grounds. ‘Mangrove-friendly’ mariculture practices like pen, cage and raft culture are discussed. Methods of efficiently utilising the already destroyed mangrove areas are considered.