Walailak University’s Plans to Strengthen Blue Crab Conservation and Conserve Marine Ecosystem through National and International Collaboration

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University (WU) has made significant plans to minimize the alteration of aquatic ecosystems, and foster sustainable fisheries management, particularly focusing on the blue swimming crab population in Ban Don Bay, which is the related aquatic ecosystem of the campus. In 2023, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, a prominent figure in WU’s School of Science and a member of the National Scientific and Technical Committee, played a central role in developing and advising sustainable fishery policies and plans. Dr. Sawusdee’s contributions include his active involvement in research and policy development under the Thai Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), which aligns closely with the university’s broader efforts to combat overfishing and mitigate the environmental impacts of unsustainable practices in Thai waters.

In addition to national-level initiatives, WU has collaborated extensively with various organizations for the Thai Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Improvement Project (BSC FIP), including national government bodies, NGOs, and international partners such as the Marine Resources Assessment Group (MREG), the NFI Crab Council (United States), and Thai Sea Watch Association. This joint effort focuses on SDG-aligned policies that promote blue swimming crab conservation, and in 2023, WU presented targeted measures and policy recommendations to the Department of Fisheries.

The outcomes of WU’s continuous research in 2023 have been pivotal in forming actionable plans to preserve the blue crab population and ecosystem health in Ban Don Bay for continuous years. Key initiatives include:

Biological Management Plan:

1. Enhancing Blue Crab Size and Spawning Control: The university’s conservation measures emphasize educating local fishermen to catch blue crabs above a minimum size of 10 to 15 cm and to release berried females to local hatcheries. Continuous larval release programs during peak reproductive seasons at essential nursery sites across Tha Chana, Chaiya, Don Sak, and Kanchanadit districts aim to improve juvenile crab survival rates.

2. Expanding Conservation Zones and Monitoring Blue Crab Population: Dr. Sawusdee recommended expanding blue crab conservation zones alongside increased larval release to support population recovery in Ban Don Bay. This strategy includes implementing clear measures to boost the spawning potential ratio (SPR) by setting a community-supported minimum catch size, further strengthening sustainable management practices, monitoring blue crab populations to conduct ongoing assessments of blue crab abundance, and informing and adjusting management practices as needed.

3. Preventing Ghost Fishing: WU is researching and creating a database to track lost and discarded fishing gear. This initiative aims to mitigate the effects of ghost fishing on the marine ecosystem by organizing ecological clean-ups and removing abandoned gear from the bay.

Physical Habitat Protection Plan:

1. Nursery and Fishing Area Zoning: WU encourages fishermen to avoid nearshore fishing, designating these areas as nurseries for young aquatic animals. The Tha Chana and Don Sak regions, ideal crab embryo habitats, have been prioritized for this purpose.

2. Sustainable Fishing Equipment: Educating fishermen to use legally approved nets, such as 2.5-inch mesh sizes, helps protect the bay’s seabed and reduces the ecological impact of illegal fishing practices.

3. Assessing Coastal Impacts and Managing Area Usage: Evaluating the effects of waves, erosion, and sediment deposition while promoting responsible use of coastal areas to prevent degradation of Ban Don Bay.

4. Artificial Habitats: In collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, WU has built artificial habitats to improve the crabs’ natural environment, supporting both population growth and the overall marine ecosystem’s health.

Chemical and Pollution Control Plan:

1. Agricultural Runoff and Pollution Control: WU has recommended promoting chemical-free agricultural practices in the region, thereby reducing harmful substances entering the Ban Don Bay ecosystem. Monitoring water quality for harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and nutrients like nitrate and phosphorus, remains a priority to protect vulnerable areas such as spawning grounds.

2. SDG-Aligned Recommendations for Coastal Activities: The recommendations presented by WU, particularly regarding environmental monitoring and pollution control, are being integrated into future SDG policies by the Department of Fisheries, further reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainable resource management.

The impact of these initiatives has been further enhanced through WU’s partnership with the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and multiple NGOs such as the Thai Sea Watch Association. The collaborative project, titled the “Thai Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Improvement Project (BSC FIP),” involves partnerships with organizations like the Marine Resources Assessment Group (MREG) and the NFI Crab Council (U.S.), aiming to align Thailand’s blue crab fishery with international sustainability standards.

In 2023, Walailak University, as a leading contributor to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policy advancement, joined these organizations in presenting recommendations to the Department of Fisheries to enhance sustainable management strategies. The core recommendations included:

1. Expanding Conservation Zones: Increasing the protected areas in Ban Don Bay to secure habitats for juvenile and breeding crabs.

2. Mesh Size Regulations: Implementing stricter mesh size limits to protect juvenile crabs and prevent overfishing.

3. Sustainable Fishing Practices: Educating fishermen on responsible fishing techniques and monitoring their compliance.

4. Harvest Control Rules: Developing comprehensive rules to limit crab harvests based on sustainable yield models.

5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR) Monitoring: Conducting bi-monthly population assessments to ensure the sustainability of blue swimming crabs.

Achievements and Recognition in 2023

The Center for Academic Services (CAS) at Walailak University proudly congratulates the research team behind the project titled, “Research and Development for the Restoration and Improvement of Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Linked to International Standards (Fishery Improvement Program: FIP) in Bandon Bay, Surat Thani Province.” This project was awarded second place in the Outstanding Agricultural Research Project category for 2023, highlighting its contributions to sustainable fisheries and international standards in Thailand’s seafood industry.

Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, CAS Director, the project achieved significant milestones, including elevating the FIP rating from C level in 2017 to A level from 2018 to 2024. This accomplishment reflects enhanced sustainability and management practices in Thailand’s blue swimming crab fisheries. Dr. Amonsak received the recognition on behalf of his team from Mr. Chavalit Chookajorn, Chairman of the Board Committees of the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), during the agency’s 20th-anniversary celebration held on November 21, 2023, at Exhibition Hall 5 of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Themed “AgriTech and Innovation: Moving Forward from Local to Global,” the event included a conference and research showcase that featured leading agricultural innovations.

The project has yielded multiple successful outcomes, such as:

- - Raising the FIP rating to A level, reflecting an improvement in sustainable practices.
  - Increasing natural aquatic resources through effective blue crab management.
  - Boosting the catch rates for both local and commercial fishers.
  - Establishing protected nursery areas for aquatic species.
  - Recommending strategies for blue swimming crab banks, identifying suitable release points, and managing ecosystems for sustainable blue crab recovery.

This project is a collaborative effort, combining expertise from public and private organizations, and spanning multiple disciplines, including science and technology, genetics, fisheries, oceanography, social sciences, and economics. The ultimate aim is to advance the sustainable development of Thailand’s fisheries sector, setting a benchmark for integrating environmental stewardship with economic growth in the global seafood market.

Annually, including in 2023, the faculty with the expertise of fisheries, WU, collaborates closely with local communities, undertaken the diagnostics on the community to analyze (diagnose) issues and draw maps aimed at minimizing physical, chemical, and biological alterations to related aquatic ecosystems. This collaborative approach involves the active participation of community members, who work alongside the team to develop solutions and integrate team-based strategies for addressing these challenges. Stakeholder engagement from all sectors is central to this effort. At the end of each year, the project undergoes thorough evaluation and success measurement to set a plan for the following year. Walailak University has effectively demonstrated the necessary actions to sustain aquatic ecosystems linked to the university, earning high levels of community support and satisfaction with the project’s impact.

To conclude, Walailak University’s collaborative approach with national and international organizations, coupled with its proactive research and policy recommendations, demonstrates a robust commitment to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management in 2023. By prioritizing scientific research, community education, and strategic partnerships, WU aims to ensure the long-term viability of blue swimming crab populations and the ecological health of Thai waters, supporting both the livelihoods of local fishing communities and Thailand’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).