| Author | Arquitt, Steven Pate |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. NR-95-02 |
| Subject(s) | Shrimp culture--Thailand
|
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources & Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. NR-95-02 |
| Abstract | A system dynamics model is built examining the sustainability of a commodity
production system. Shrimp aquaculture ·in Thailand is taken as a case study. The system's
sustainability is considered as a multi-dimensional phenomenon incorporating economic
and ecological dimensions. The classic General Dynamic Commodity Model developed
by Meadows (1970) is employed with the addition of modular structures representing the
natural resource base and the influence of the world market.
Driven by powerful international demand for shrimp, Thai cultured shrimp
production has grown exponentially over the past decade to become the world leader in
cultured shrimp exports. However, the development of the industry in Thailand appears
to be following the same pattern as witnessed in Taiwan and subsequently in the Peoples'
Republic of China. In both of these countries the shrimp aquaculture industry underwent
explosive growth only to quickly collapse due to environmental contamination caused by
the heavy organic waste loads generated by intensive shrimp aquaculture. The economic
and ecological damage incurred in such a pattern of "boom and bust" development
represents a significant loss for Thai society, present and future.
The model developed presents a self-consistent hypothesis of the systematic
problem behavior by explicitly defining the causal relationships and key feedback loops -
between the world market for shrimp, Thai shrimp production capacitf, and the natural
resource base. As such, the model provides a forum for consensus on the dynamic nature
of the problem and can function as a tool aiding the elucidation of effective policy entry
points. Finally, analyses of mitigative policies are demonstrated through simulation runs. |
| Year | 1995 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. NR-95-02 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Saeed, Khalid |
| Examination Committee(s) | Apisit Eiumnoh ;Hambrey, John |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1995 |