Analytical Review of the Impacts of Boat Shrimp Trawling on Marine Plants (Algae and Seagrass)

Marine plants ecosystem (seagrass and algae) as a biogenic ecosystem with high biological productivity provides the critical nursery habitat for juvenile shrimps, and year-round food and shelter to some biota species. This ecosystem enhances the primary and secondary production, which contributes to valuable commercial fisheries. In the Persian Gulf, the survival of juveniles tiger shrimp depends on marine plants ecosystem as habitat. The results of previous studies indicate uncontrolled shrimp trawling in the coastal water could cause habitat disturbance such as the removal of non-target species including seagrass and algae. Moreover, the marine plants ecosystem in the Persian Gulf has been destroying, which make strongly impact on the shrimp stocks. However, public particularly the fishermen mostly have low awareness about marine plants ecosystem and the benefits provides to them. Therefore, limitation and prohibition of boat shrimp trawling in the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf is introduced as a course of action to protect and improve marine plants ecosystem.