Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDSEA)

Project Code: 150-504-003	Start Date: 01-Oct-89	End Date: 01-Sep-95
Commitment: £1,678,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The project is set against a background of rapid expansion and intensification of coastal prawn pond (tambak) production along much of the northern coast of Sumatra. The project area, in common with much of the rest of the Indonesian coastline, is fringed with mangroves. It is government policy to target these mangrove areas as sites for new aquaculture ponds while large areas previously converted into traditional ponds, or tambaks, are also earmarked for improvement through redesign and intensification of production. However not all mangrove areas are suitable for prawn culture because of natural limiting factors which include acid sulphate soils, unsuitable soil/water salinities and certain shore elevations/tidal ranges. Clearing mangroves for prawn ponds destroys a resources which is important for forestry, fisheries and coastal protection. Although initially upon clearing the mangrove prawn yields are most attractive, within only a few months of clearing, both yields and quality decline, the incidence of disease increases and the value of the crop declines accordingly.

Project Objectives:
To assist the Government of Indonesia to develop a capacity for sound planning and management of coastal resources.

Intended Outputs:
Detailed survey maps from remote sensing imagery with on ground verification of mangrove-tambak resources of Northwest coastline of Sumatra. Classification of coastal environment according to suitability for aquaculture. Recommendations on appropriate designs for tambaks in the classified areas. Advisory and diagnostic services for prawn diseases control, environmental monitoring/treatment, handling and processing.