Attitude of Small-scale Fishermen toward the Fishing Right System in Chantaburi Province

Abstract

The main theme of the study was to understand the attitude of small-scale fishermen to the fishing right system and the factors influencing their attitude to it in Chantaburi Province. The perception of information of the small-scale fishermen was also determined together with their relationship and attitude toward the fishing right system. The study area was Chantaburi Province in the Eastern Part of Thailand. Data were collected randomly from 300 selected fishermen of 4 Sub-Districts in Chantaburi Province during May, 1995, using personal interview schedules in one on one situations. Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) has been used to define the correlation among the variables. Findings showed that 79 % of fishermen agreed that the system will ease the conflict problems between them and the commercial fishermen. Data also showed that the fishermen believed that the system will lead to fishing cost reduction and an increase in their catch. 82 % agreed to take responsibilities on conserving and managing the fisheries resources while 79 % agreed that the government should continue law enforcement. The majority of them also agreed that the government should urgently issue laws and regulations that are required for the system and most of them accepted the need to establish a fishermen group. 74 % of them had an intention to participate in the activities of the group. The r values indicate that the perception of information was highly significantly related to the attitude toward the system.