It is clearly seen that the
conversion of mangrove forests to shrimp farming is
one of the most severe problems and has tremendous
impacts on the coastal ecosystem. For example the
removal of tree-cover, loss of nutrient-supply from the
forest to the sea, obstruction of tidal flushing and fresh
water runoff, coastal erosion and the discharge of waste
from ponds lead to change in the natural equilibrium
and ultimately to the ecosystem destruction. Human
activities can directly cause catastrophic mortality on
reefs through dredging, dynamite fishing, and/or pollution.
ONEB (1992) reported on the status of the coral
reefs in the Thai waters during the period of 1987–1992
that only 36% remained in good condition, 33% in fair
condition, 30% in poor condition (Table 11). It is expected
that the destruction of the coral reefs will be