In the Mekong delta, Vietnam, especially in Ca Mau province, mangrove areas have declined by 75% between 1968 and 2003 (Binh, et al, 2004). Shrimp culture has rapidly expanded in the area and its fast and uncontrolled development has inevitably caused a large negative impact on water quality and the environment in general. Forty percent of the degradation and the loss of the local mangrove ecosystem can be attributed to the expansion of shrimp culture (Binh, et al, 2004). As important habitats used for many aquatic organisms, mangroves also provided a wide range of ecosystem services in the area (i.e. improvement water quality, sediment trap, nutrient sink, etc.).

Many species of shellfish such as clams, horn shells and snails are associated with the mangroves and the ecological function of the mangrove ecosystem. Moreover, they are also extensively exploited for food and provide an important income by local communities. The effects of pollution and increasing frequency of disease outbreaks are seriously damaging the population of shellfish within these habitats. The general perception is that the natural resources and fisheries production from these mangrove ecosystems is decreasing, however no specific study has been carried out to quantify and qualify the decrease of these important resources.

The output of the research will provide very much needed information on the status of shellfish biodiversity and its present production which could serve as local key indicators of the conservation plan of the local mangrove ecosystem. The results will be used to raise awareness on the sustainable exploitation and conservation of natural resources, especially among shellfish gatherers. Knowledge of the ecology and species composition of the shellfish in the mangrove and their important role in the ecosystem will be transferred to the community through training workshops in order to help the community gain greater understanding of resource protection and conservation issues.

The work will also provide essential basic information for Ca Mau local government on the value of protecting mangrove ecosystems from the impact of intensive shrimp culture and heavy exploitation. The result will be to demonstrate the importance of monitoring the effects of shrimp culture operations on shellfish populations and the functional nursery role of protected mangrove habitats for aquatic species to maintain sustainable natural resources.