Study Report on Area Context and Socio-Economic Conditions of Coastal Communities in Trat Province: Fisheries Refugia Management for Short Mackerel in Trat Site

Abstract

Study on the area context and socio-economic conditions of coastal communities in Trat Province aimed at preparing the database for evaluation of the Fisheries Refugia project in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand, the concept of which is to promote good governance for sustainable fisheries management based on ecosystem approach with its goal at creating human security in fishery sector in linkage with the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs Goal 1, 2, 5, and 14. The study was conducted by collecting secondary data from related study reports and documents, in-depth interviews with both males and females of small-scale and commercial fishers, as well as focus group meetings among fishers of different fishing gears, including fish traders and relevant officers, in several fishing communities particularly those depend on short mackerel fisheries. The study found that destructive fishing gears and fishing methods were the major causes of the reduction of fisheries resources. Also, the decline of significant marine species had resulted in the uncertain income and career insecurity. This could cause stress to the fishing households particularly, women who had their roles on financial arrangement and livings of the families. Lastly, there is a lack of communication and a creating process for understanding the importance of participation. This could lead to the gaps and constraints on the participations in fisheries management, especially those of female small-scale fishers.