Nonsustainable use of renewable resources: Mangrove deforestation and mariculture in Ecuador

The paper provides a conceptual model that examines

1. open-access exploitation and
2. mangrove deforestation as two potential causes for the scarcity of post-larval shrimp inputs to shrimp mariculture in Ecuador.

Results indicate that conversion of mangrove ecosystems to shrimp ponds may have obtained short-term profit at the expense of long-term productivity. Open-access collection of post-larval shrimp may also have contributed to dwindling stock levels. Specific policy recommendations are presented, and future empirical studies are proposed.