Crab bank: Releasing baby crab to sustain marine BSC population
In 2021 (2564 B.E.), in association with 85 coastal fishing communities, Walailak University covering 12 Districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat area operate the marine and coastal resource restoration event. The Center for Academic Service Walailak University, with cooperation from government agencies such as Department of Fisheries, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, private agencies such as Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Co., Ltd., Charoen Pokphand Group, True Corporation Public Co., Ltd. and Thai Frozen Foods Association, jointly organized the event of releasing the berried female blue crab and young blue crabs returned to the sea event. It’s the direct support through actions to restore marine resources and ecosystems; such events are held on important days such as World Ocean Day, World Environment Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other days as well as activities to release aquatic species. In addition, more than 85 coastal fishing communities continue to operate regularly, the results of which are favorable for the release of baby blue crabs back into the sea by local fishermen. The blue crab-catching statistics found that locals’ results increased from 5 kg to 10 kg, and the commercials’ results increased from 60-70 kg to 90-120 kg. A joint plan of fishermen in the area is to declare a zone 300-500 meters from the coast for non-fishing and leave the spot as a nursery for young aquatic animals.
In addition, on important days, the university cooperates with community parties and government and private agencies to organize a festival on the maritime side of the area. At this event, there will be activities to promote conservation and sustainable utilization through beach cleaning and collecting trash, educational discussion, and understanding about conservation, including performances and concerts to convey the meaning of conservation, care, and sustainable use of resources. The above activities can be regarded as direct action and support for conserving aquatic and marine ecosystems.
