Abstract
Mangroves trap sediments, provide breeding and nursing grounds for aquatic animals, improve water quality, and contribute to coastal protection. During the 1960s polders were built in the coastal districts of Bangladesh to protect agricultural lands from tidal inundation, and to increase rice production. However, subsequent water logging and salinization compelled farmers to convert polders into shrimp farms. Due to global demands for seafood, adjacent mangroves were also cleared to bring more wetlands under shrimp culture, thereby undermining the ecosystem role of mangroves. Mangrove-Polders deals with shrimp culture using suitable mangrove species as an alternative development strategy in polders where rice is no longer viable. The effect on water quality and shrimp performance will be tested to support the selection of appropriate mangrove species. The sedimentation, as well as survival and growth of the mangroves and shrimp species will be monitored, and the overall effect will be analysed through modelling.
Netherlands