Ru-Yong Sun

Valuation of shrimp ecosystem services – a case study in Leizhou City, China

The economic valuation of ecosystem services is an effective way to understand the multiple benefits provided. Effluent and other environmental problems must be properly managed if shrimp aquaculture is to achieve sustainability. Evaluation of shrimp ecosystems can facilitate voluntary improvements in the environmental performance of shrimp farms. This study evaluated shrimp ecosystem services in Leizhou City, Guangdong Province, using the market method (MM), carbon tax rate method (CRM), reforestation cost method (RCM) and contingent valuation method (CVM), based on results of input–output analysis and water quality of shrimp ponds. We examined both direct and indirect value of shrimp ecosystem services at large and small spatial scales. This study has quantified the multiple benefits and costs of shrimp ecosystems, suggests a more feasible basis for coastal environmental management and sustainability of shrimp aquaculture.