Water and Sediment Quality Changes in Mangrove Systems with Shrimp Farms in the Northern Ecuadorean Coast

The environmental quality of mangroves is influenced by multiple factors, among which shrimp aquaculture currently plays a major role. This study describes the alterations natural conditions mangrove systems that house farms in northern Ecuadorean coast. Water, sediment and structure benthic assemblages four sectors with different proportions ponds are described. samples were collected at confluence drainages or tidal creeks, as well modified for farm infrastructures towards navigable channels, during dry rainy seasons. Shrimp drainage water had 17% higher dissolved oxygen concentration 2.5 times total ammonium phosphorus compared to water. latter decreased their organic matter nitrogen content 44% 53%, respectively, slightly increasing pH level 93%. Furthermore, redox profiles between types drainages. soft-bottom involved 56 species area exhibited variety sectoral structures, better indicators ecological status fewer farms. Finally, improvements suggested monitoring systems.