Direct Involvement for Preserving Freshwater, Coastal, and Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
As global environmental challenges intensify, the conservation of aquatic ecosystems has become increasingly urgent. Walailak University (WU) actively engages in research and community initiatives to protect and restore freshwater and marine ecosystems, with particular attention to species and habitats under threat.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to ecological preservation, WU collaborates with local communities, government agencies, private sectors, relevant industries, and NGOs to implement impactful projects. These efforts aim to safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystem health, and ensure the sustainable management of freshwater, coastal, and marine environments.
Maintaining Freshwater Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Community-Based Living Weirs for Plants and Animals Conservation
In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with local communities, government agencies, and industrial partners—including the Department of Provincial Administration, Na Mai Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the Subdistrict Agricultural Technology Transfer and Service Center, Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC)—to continue implementing the “Living Weir” Project at the Na Mai Phai Stream. The project aimed to restore and preserve freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity by renovating and reconstructing the existing weir within the subdistrict.
The redesigned weir adopted a staircase structure that allows water to flow gradually, thereby reducing the destructive currents that once caused riverbank erosion and damaged nearby vegetation. Construction relied on locally available, eco-friendly materials such as sand, rocks, and bamboo—materials that are biodegradable, affordable, and well-suited to the local environment.
The project also emphasized the multifunctional role of living weirs in conserving and storing water, reducing soil erosion, moderating stream flow, and preserving upstream biodiversity. Through collaborative engagement among researchers, community members, and partner organizations, participants recognized the substantial ecological and socio-economic benefits of living weirs in sustaining freshwater ecosystems.
Figures: Walailak University and partners implementing the construction and renovation of the weir to promote freshwater ecosystem and biodiversity
The redesigned structure delivered multiple environmental benefits:
- It regulated water flow, helping prevent flash flooding and erosion.
- It created shallow ponds that store water for agricultural use, mitigating the impacts of drought.
- It retained soil moisture, supporting plant growth and maintaining riparian vegetation.
- It provided habitats for small aquatic organisms and insects, contributing to ecological balance.
Post-implementation monitoring revealed a gradual improvement in aquatic biodiversity. Species such as freshwater shrimp, minnows, and snails were increasingly found near the weir, indicating a recovery of aquatic habitats. The staircase design helped reduce water velocity, forming calm zones that serve as microhabitats and safe breeding grounds for native fish species that previously migrated elsewhere due to strong currents.
Furthermore, the restored weir contributed to maintaining predator-prey balance by providing refuge for smaller fish and reducing their vulnerability to invasive species. The improved water availability also benefited local flora and fauna, enhancing ecosystem resilience and strengthening overall biodiversity within the Na Mai Phai Stream ecosystem.
Maintaining ecosystem services in coastal areas: Installation of Artificial Fish Habitats
In 2024, Walailak University continued organizing the artificial fish habitat installation project in collaboration with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, the Songkhla Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center, the Department of Local Administration, and marine industry partners including Khon Kaen Fishing Net Factory Co., Ltd., Thai Frozen Foods Association and Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited. NGOs such as the Thai Sea Watch Association and the Federation of Thai Small-Scale Fisherfolk Associations also participated.
The project focuses on constructing artificial fish habitats, or “fish houses,” to provide nursery grounds, support biodiversity, and sustain coastal food chains. These efforts help maintain and restore marine ecosystems while addressing the growing pressures of overfishing. As global demand for protein rises, overfishing has put coastal ecosystems at risk, leading to declining aquatic populations, lower catch rates, and higher costs for fishermen. Restoration projects like this are essential to replenish fish stocks and improve livelihoods.
Fish houses are made from natural materials such as bamboo, coconut huts, and coconut leaves. Fishermen manually embed bamboo poles into the seabed and attach fresh and dried coconut leaves to form protective shelters. The structures include small, intricate spaces where juvenile fish and other young marine animals can safely grow while avoiding predators.
By creating these habitats, the project supports a wide variety of small fish species, enhances marine biodiversity, and strengthens coastal ecosystems. Local fishermen have observed increased fish abundance, demonstrating that artificial fish habitats benefit both the marine food chain and community livelihoods.
Engagement with Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd. to Maintain and Extend the Marine Ecosystems of the Andaman Sea
Walailak University (WU), in collaboration with Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd., one of the world’s leading marine industries, jointly organized the 31st and 32nd Marine Ecology Courses to promote the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in the Andaman Sea.
The courses brought together graduate and postgraduate students, including early-career researchers, to enhance their understanding of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental protection. Participants engaged in field studies, lectures, and practical research designed to raise awareness of marine resource conservation and inspire their future research directions.
Beyond education, the collaboration between WU and Chevron extended to joint research initiatives conducted through the Marine Ecology Course. Each year, both institutions systematically collect and analyze ecological data related to marine habitats and species diversity. These datasets serve as vital resources for marine scientists at both WU and Chevron, supporting ongoing research and evidence-based actions to preserve, restore, and extend the health of marine ecosystems in the Andaman Sea and beyond.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals