SDG 14

Indicator 14.2.3

Outreach and Engagement

RUTS Educates Trang Coastal
Communities on Sustainable Fishing Practices

Reporters:	Dr. Chanyut Sudtongkong
	Miss. Hathaitip Tongdoung

October 21, 2024

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is dedicated to educating local communities on overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as destructive fishing practices through a participatory project in 2023. This initiative is crucial for raising awareness and involving fishers in developing and implementing sustainable practices. In Trang Province, Thailand, coastal communities face significant challenges, including low income, illegal fishing gear use, declining fish stocks, degraded seagrass beds, and issues related to aquaculture. RUTS’s efforts contribute significantly to fisheries management, illustrating the role of universities in promoting sustainability by engaging local communities in the project.

Dr. Nathathai Krebs and her team lead the project “Empowering Trang Coastal Communities for Responsible Fisheries Management.” The project’s objective is to enhance learning opportunities, enabling coastal communities to adopt sustainable resource use through participatory management.

The project focuses on 10 coastal community in Trang Province. Key stakeholders include small-scale fishers, fishery processing groups, fishery business operators, community leaders, and experts from relevant government and private sectors.

The initial phase aims to develop a Learning and Innovation Model (LIP) for creating “smart” fishing communities capable of sustainable resource utilization. Five key areas of focus are outlined:

Crab Bank and Seagrass Management: Focuses on the restoration of blue crab populations and seagrass beds.

Fisheries and Environmental Management: Emphasizes sustainable fisheries and environmental stewardship.

In summary, RUTS’s participatory project has been instrumental in raising awareness of IUU fishing and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.

https://fishtech.rmutsv.ac.th/fishtech/th/news2840

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=118366121279752&set=pcb.118368291279535

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=118357647947266&set=pcb.118358821280482

https://th.postupnews.com/2023/07/nrct-return-blue-crab-thai-sea.html

https://www.komchadluek.net/quality-life/environment/553935