Legal measures to control the environmental impact of marine shrimp farming

Abstract

The objectives of the research were; 1) to study the environmental impact of marine shrimp farming, 2) to study concepts, theories and legal principles related to the environmental impact of marine shrimp farming, and the duties of departments responsible for the improvement of legal standards, in order to control the environmental impact arising from marine shrimp farming. The method employed in this research was qualitative analysis, consisting of documentation research and in-depth interviews.

The results of the study show that; 1) the Department of Fisheries uses different standards for effluent control, which is evaluated, depending on the size of the farm.  Farms with a size of 10 rai and above need to meet different criteria, when compared with farms smaller than 10 rai, in regard to acidity, alkalinity, salinity and chemical usage. Additionally, this also applies to the need for waste water stabilization ponds and the requirement to notify authorities to conduct a pre-test, to control the release of effluent into public water resources, which may result in the pollution of soil, water resources and environment, 2) there is an issue regarding the smell of dead shrimp left behind after harvest. Moreover, it is unclear which department   is responsible for controlling this problem.

Recommendations; 1) regulations for effluent control should be standardized for farms of all sizes. Require waste stabilization ponds, and notify officials to test effluent from all farms according to fixed standards, prior to its release into public water resources. Encourage the community and local governments to set up committees to participate in checking, observing and notifying authorities about those who violate the regulations, in order to help preserve the environment, 2) Edit the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries B.E. 2558 (2015) section 78 (7) and implement guidelines and parameters for the smell of dead shrimp, covering the periods prior, during and after harvesting. Specify these guidelines in the field of aquaculture, in relation to the control of marine shrimp farming, and request that provincial fishery committees designate a regulated distance between shrimp farms and communities, which should be enforced by authorities from the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, together with local government departments.