Typical characteristic of Inland and coastal fisheries in Southeast Asia are considered as “targeting multi-species and involving large number of small-scale fishers”. Because of this nature, fishery statistics on these fisheries are recognized as inaccurate or under-reported. As fisheries statistics are basis of good fisheries management, it is necessary to improve data and information collection by utilizing suitable methodologies for these fisheries, e.g. by involving local communities, local officers, etc. For these reason, SEAFDEC have been supporting Member Countries by reviewing the problems and constraints in fisheries data collection in coastal small-scale and inland fisheries at national level, and identify the key issues in fisheries data collection that should be addressed by the countries.

In 2013 SEAFDEC supported Thailand with a very successful training course on Practical

Approach for Enhancing Co-management in Inland Fisheries, with Training on Trainers (TOTs) courses, aimed at providing more clear and detailed concept and methodology on Comanagement/ Community-based resources management, and skills of establishment community fisheries organizations are extremely needed for Thailand. Including DOF Thailand have new fisheries laws, Section 9 to promote the participation and support of local fishing communities to management, Maintenance, Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable use of aquatic resources within the fishery in coastal fisheries or Inland Fisheries. Department of Fisheries (DOF) action to assist or support the following: (1) Encourage the participation of local fishing communities in policy making, (2)Encourage group forming and provide registration of local fishing communities; (3) Advising local fishing communities to Management, Maintenance, Conservation, Restoration and utilization of aquatic resources. Including to support the operation or community activities in such matters, and (4) Knowledge or information about the deal. Maintenance, restoration, conservation and utilization of aquatic resources. In this consistence, DOF Thailand collaborate with SEAFDEC to support on facilitating Comanagement/ Community-based resources management and gathering fisheries activity information for key persons of pilot site of Nam Oon Dam, Phang Khon District, Sakon Nakhon Province.

Ruangsivakul, S., Sornkliang, J., Suasi, T., Tiaye, R., & Suaroon, K. (2015). The Establishment of Co-management approach at Nam Oon Dam, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. SEAFDEC Technical Seminar 2015 (pp. 31-33). Samut Prakan: Training Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.