Habitat Conservation and Resources Enchancement in Seagrass Beds in Sriboya Island, Krabi Province, Thailand

Abstract

The project on 'Rehabilitation of Fisheries Resources and Habitat/Fishing Grounds through Resources Enhancement', has been undertaken by Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) since 2010 to identify appropriate resource enhancement tools, develop strategies and guidelines for resources enhancement for various types of aquatic habitats, and support capacity building for the ASEAN Member States in the implementation of their respective resource enhancement programs. The activities pursued with local communities in sites selected as critical fishing grounds in marine habitats, included conservation and rehabilitation measures that had been conducted. A deteriorated seagrass bed area in Sriboya Island, Krabi Province, Thailand was selected as one of the pilot sites to mitigate the depleted stocks of a species of an edible sea snail, the dog conch (Strombus canarium) which is commonly harvested by fishers and local communities by hand and/or labor-saving equipment as motorized boats, dredges and diving with air pump supply. However, such massive collection methods of harvesting easily led to drastic degradation of the seagrass bed habitats as well as deterioration of the dog conch population. TD therefore promoted the conservation and optimum utilization of dog conch through public awareness activities. The workshops on Andaman Sea Province Dog Conch Shell Resource Management Measures on August 2013 and 2014 in Krabi Province, Thailand, which was participated in by local stakeholders in Krabi and nearby provinces, led to an agreement and subsequent implementation of several management schemes, such as restrictions on dog conch harvestable size (<6 cm) and types of fishing gear (dredges), as well as banning the use of motorized boats. Furthermore, several types of media that support awareness building, such as posters, stickers, brochures and banners were produced and distributed to several provinces along the Andaman Sea coast. Through such activities, permanent dog conch conservation areas were established by local fishing communities at Sriboya Island in Krabi Province, and Muk Island in Trang Province. Demarcation of conservation areas at Sarai Island in Satun Province and some other areas had been proposed and under consideration by their respective local fishing community.