Introducing the Mangrove Project

There’s a misconception that prawn farming has devastating effects on the environment, in particular depleting natural mangroves. Find out how we’re working to combat that belief with our project!

What are mangroves?

Mangroves are shrub-like plants that reside on the coastlines. You can find them in tropical, brackish waters and have a height range between 2 to 10m and their leaves are oblong or oval shaped. Distinctive in appearance, mangroves have come into the limelight by conservation groups as they are considered victims of the shrimp farming industry or deforestation. We cannot glide over the fact that some farming methods have led to the mistreatment of the environment, which has caused mangrove population loss. However, that is something the industry is looking to tackle, with the help of local NGOs.  It is upsetting that this is the case as mangroves actually play a crucial role when it comes to prawn farming.

Why are they important to prawn farming?

We, at The Happy Prawn Co., know that mangroves are essential when it comes to our prawns. This is because they provide a natural food source as well as support the pond ecosystem by regulating the levels of oxygen. The mangrove root achieves this as it contains nodules that absorb the prawn’s nitrogen waste and converts that into oxygen.

Not only that, but mangroves also act as a natural barrier from the sea and by doing so, protect our farms from flooding and coastline erosion. This is significant as Indonesia is an archipelago, and rising sea levels could promote the loss of some islands if mangroves are not conserved. Mangroves also help conserve the marine population by preventing marine life from ending up on land. From that, it is unsurprising as to see why mangroves are important to us!

Image: A glimpse into our mangrove lined ponds with young mangroves in the back.

What is The Mangrove Project?

In 2010, the Mangrove Project was set up by Rosida and the farmers, with the support of the Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Department. Since then, we have planted over 300,000 mangrove seedlings and counting. In fact, our goal is to regenerate and plant over 1,000,000 seedlings to help towards rebuilding and conserving the Indonesian coastline.

Image: Rosida who founded The Happy Prawn Co. grew up against a backdrop of traditional shrimp farming, so she’s seen first hand how prawns are raised, and the importance of farmers getting a fair price for their produce.

5 fun facts about mangroves!

1. Indonesia has the largest coverage of mangroves: over 23,000 square kilometres (14000 miles)
2. Mangroves live on coastlines and can survive water with a high salt content
3. There are over 80 species of mangrove
4. Mangroves provide a natural habitat for sea creatures (including our prawns)
5. Mangroves, due to their thick roots, act as a natural barrier against tidal waves

Want to help?

Fortunately, by purchasing our prawns, you contribute towards our Mangrove Project. However, there are things that you can also do to protect your own marine life:

• Encourage replantation of important foliage in your ocean area
• Conduct beach clean-ups to remove the plastic
• Organise fundraising events and challenges
• Donate to your local ocean conservation organisation. Within the U.K., that is the Marine Conservation Society.
• Raise awareness on social media

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About The Happy Prawn Co.

The Happy Prawn Co. is an independent, ethical brand producing 100% natural, 100% traceable Black Tiger prawns from Indonesia. Aimed at seafood lovers and foodies alike, the brand officially launched in 2018, but it’s the result of more than a decade’s dedication.

Check out this short video about our story here: