The Center for Academic Services at Walailak University is planning a fish home construction activity to conserve marine and coastal resources. The center, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of The Center for Academic Services, has been working to promote global excellence in academic service and contribute to THE Impact Ranking under “the Project for Strategic Planning and Enhancing Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration for the Use of Marine and Coastal Resources (Year1).” Moreover, planning discussions were held with the working group at the Blue Swimming Crab Bank and Coastal Fisheries Learning Center in Ban Nai Tung, Tha Sala District. Additionally, this activity has been conducted annually by the association since 2002, with this year’s event scheduled for April 26-28, 2024. Registration can be completed at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lp20XUcdhGsj2feQ6nMJI9y9U1zPqtLuEYcmnjds_l8/edit

1. To provide a safe juvenile refuge area for juvenile aquatic animals from fishing gear threats
2. To raise awareness of the importance of food sources
3. To pass on knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation
4. To foster unity, collaboration, and awareness for conserving food sources and the environment

The activity involves constructing fish homes using bamboo poles approximately 6 meters in length, driven into the sea bed in a circular arrangement with a diameter of 3-4 meters. Then, fresh coconut leaves are tied to the bamboo poles about 2 meters above the sea floor to provide shade for aquatic animals. Four sets of these fish homes will be constructed in nearby areas.

In addition to promoting marine and coastal resource conservation, this activity has significantly increased the local fish population, turning the area into an important tourist attraction. The number of tourists visiting Tha Sala District will be increasing, creating jobs and income for local communities. The event has received support from the government, private sector, community organizations, companies, faculty members, and students who recognize the importance of this activity in promoting conservation and sustainable use of resources.

The event aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14: Life Below Water (conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development), SDG 2: Zero Hunger (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture), and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (enhance partnerships with related networks and organizations).