Qatar unveiled plans to construct a shrimp farm in 2019, which could eventually become one of the world’s largest. The first phase of the multi-million-dollar project will comprise a hatchery and production modules to produce 3,000 metric tons of shrimp annually. The project increasingly reinforces the growing importance of aquaculture in the Middle East, with countries pursuing more independent food production approaches.
However, shrimp farming has been associated with many negative environmental and social impacts, which significantly harms the flourishing sector’s sustainable development. The project will be
located in the Al Khor region, which also houses the Al Thakira Mangroves — one of the largest and oldest mangroves in the country.
Shrimp farming is associated with several environmental impacts, including loss of biodiversity, saltwater intrusion, sedimentation, disease outbreaks, pollution, and, more importantly, mangrove forests’ degradation. However, it has significant socioeconomic benefits and high-profit agility, and in the case of Qatar, it is a welcome solution to its self-sufficiency policy. However, such a development should be backed by proper planning and management, as well as the implementation of appropriate regulations to
curb the social conflicts and environmental impacts it creates.
Despite their many environmental benefits, about 35% of the world’s mangrove forests have been destroyed — mainly due to shrimp farming. The Qatar government recently recognized the value of mangroves, with 40% of the country’s coastline under its protection (Evans). Coastal ecosystems —such as the Al Thakira Mangroves — are essential in the Gulf region, where only a few plants can withstand the harsh desert conditions. Mangroves and salt marshes are uniquely adapted to the high winds, saline seas, and infrequent rainfall, which characterize the region; they also provide a haven for various fish, birds, and animal species unique to the region. Additionally, they are at the interface between the terrestrial and marine worlds by acting as natural defense lines, particularly for threats originating along coastlines. In this sense, mangroves limit the impact of coastal storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Additionally, they mitigate soil erosion along coastlines, which helps maintain elevation for landmasses
that face the constant threat of rising sea levels.
Maintaining mangrove habitats is important for humans and environmental biodiversity. People stand to considerable benefit from reduced carbon emissions, which help to control climate in the region.
Although shrimp farming is a viable solution to Qatar’s self-sufficiency policy, it poses a considerable danger to the region’s mangrove ecosystems. The Al-Thakira Shrimp farm will create significant cultural complexities and political dilemmas, as the government endeavors to balance the socioeconomic benefits and a high profit agility associated with shrimp farming with the more pressing environmental concerns.
Works Cited
Evans, Kate. “Qatar’s Mangroves: Why They Matter to Climate Change.” Forest News, 08 Dec. 2020. http://www.forestsnews.cifor.org/13101/qatars-mangroves-why-they-matter-to-climate-change?fnl=. Accessed 24
October 2020.
