Filipino Mangrove Scientist Is Hero Of Environment

A Filipino scientist studying how to harvest shrimp in mangroves sustainably has been honored as one of Time Magazines "Heroes of the Environment 2008"  

Jurgenne Honculada-Primavera was chosen for her work of trying to environmentaly farm tiger shrimps in mangroves. Her approach is a very rational one, which is not to get rid of shrimp aquaculture but to try and sustainably farm shrimps so they don't destroy the mangroves.

Primavera is from the Philippines where mangroves are hugely important. I was able to dive the Philippines this summer and it was one of the most interesting dives I have ever done.

Mangroves are important for more than just being interesting. They are like wetlands and are natural sponges helping to reduce the sea surface level which is important in South East Asia because of tsunamis. Also, they are the nurseries for many juvenile species including sharks.  They are also effective in reducing erosion and are valuable to human life.

That said, they are being destroyed because the areas of brackish waters that they reside in are perfect for shrimp farming. Aquaculture of shrimp may seem like a good idea since shrimp fishing is so harmful, but when it comes at the expense of the mangroves its not. However, lets be real, we are not going to stop eating shrimp.

Thats where Jurgenne Honculada Primavera comes in, and I write about her because its really a worthy cause that is largely unheard of. Thanks Jurgenne!