Fake blue revolution: environmental and socio-economic impacts of shrimp culture in the coastal areas of Bangladesh

Shrimp culture in the coastal areas of Bangladesh rapidly expanded in the last two decades in an unplanned and unregulated way. To mirror the great complexity of impact of shrimp culture, both environmental and socio-economic issues have been examined. There is evidence that some of the impacts adversely affect the long-term sustainability of shrimp culture itself. The paper reveals the fact that if the societal value of the coastal environment that supports life-and-livelihood of millions of coastal communities of Bangladesh is not recognized, aquaculture industry might give rise to severe ecological, economic and social problems and conflicts. Some recommendations are made to improve the present situation and develop sustainable aquaculture (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.