Sustainable Management of Blue Swimming Crab in Thailand

Abstract

National Plan of Action on Sustainable Management of Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) of Thailand was developed through a series of participatory consultations among government, private sector, academics, fishers, and NGO. It applied the SWOT analysis and in line with indicators of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard aiming at sustainable utilization of BSC in Thailand based on international principles. The 4-year implementation period of the Plan started from 2015 to 2018 covering 4 strategies, 8 measures, and 21 activities. The 4 strategies are (a) improving information on BSC fisheries and relevant resources, (b) establishment the direction on BSC restoration, (c) controlling inputs to BSC fishing and utilizing, and (d) promotion of local participation and responsible BSC fishing. All activity-level implementations were monitored and evaluated in the aspects of BSC stocks, environmental impacts, and management.