Nonsustainable Use of Renewable Resources: Mangrove Deforestation and Mariculture in Ecuador

The paper provides a conceptual model that examines (i) openaccess exploitation and (ii) 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.