The potential of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture as an alternative to traditional shrimp farming: A global review of environmental, economic and social sustainability

Abstract

While research shows that integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is environmentally advantageous for shrimp farming, traditional mono- and polyculture systems remain the dominant farming methods. Hence, the documented potential of IMTA in addressing growing concerns over environmental impacts such as nutrient and greenhouse gas emissions, reductions in mangrove forest areas and the spread of diseases, remains underutilized in shrimp farming. This article analyses the potential of IMTA to reduce the environmental impacts of shrimp farming while simultaneously being economically and socially sustainable. Founded on the PRISMA methodology, the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of IMTA in shrimp farming was identified through a systematic review of the global literature. Environmentally, the results show that IMTA systems can effectively remove surplus nutrients, balance the nutrient budget, and reduce carbon emissions from farms. Economically, IMTA increases farmers' profit compared to traditional production systems. The social dimension remains unexplored, although stakeholders find that IMTA for species other than shrimp is more socially acceptable than traditional production systems. The implication is that IMTA seems a promising alternative to traditional production systems for achieving sustainability in all three dimensions simultaneously.