The Center for Academic Services at Walailak University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center, along with the working group and the fisheries network, has carried out field activities in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province to promote and support marine and coastal resource conservation and restoration. The team monitored the activities of the Blue Swimming Crab Bank, supported educational signage, and repaired the bank to ensure its functional and aesthetic quality.

They also participated in the “Rak Mae Rak Talay” (Love Mother, Love the Sea) activity at Ban Chaloklum Pier, Village No. 7, Koh Phangan Sub-district, organized by the Phet Phangan Sub-district Municipality. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Noppadon Khaomali, Koh Phangan District Chief Officer, and attended by the Deputy Mayor of Koh Phangan Sub-district, the Mayor of Bantai Sub-district, Provincial Administrative Organization Council Member, Assistant to a Member of Parliament (MP), heads of various government departments, teachers, and students from the local area. The event was held in honor of and to express loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on her birthday on August 12, 2024, and aimed to raise public awareness about conserving and restoring natural resources and the environment.

Activities included releasing marine species (sea turtles and blue swimming crabs), beach clean-up, repairing coral reef buoys, and underwater trash collection, which was carried out by the Sea Anemones Group. This event works directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity of both plants and animals with over 200 participants joined in the event.

The Blue Swimming Crab Bank Project: An Integrated Coastal Resource Management Tool for Sustainable Utilization aims to expand the benefits of the blue swimming crab bank as a tool to solve problems or improve marine and coastal resource management, in line with sustainable consumption goals of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and the restoration of marine and coastal biodiversity under SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Additionally, the project aims to enhance community well-being through Blue Economy approaches and promote a low-carbon society in coastal areas.