Management of Blue Swimming Crab of Thailand

Management of Blue Swimming Crab of Thailand 

 คลังความรู้  ข้อมูลเผยเเพร่  ข้อมูลเผยเเพร่ อื่นๆ

 2023-09-01  165

Management of Blue Swimming Crab of Thailand

The Department of Fisheries, Thailand has emphasized the importance of the blue swimming crab resources, as the blue swimming crabs are economically valuable aquatic animals in Thailand. This is due to the high demand in both domestic and international markets for fresh blue swimming crabs and products. However, it has been observed that the quantity of blue swimming crabs caught in the country has decreased over time, with overall production lower than in the past. This is caused by blue swimming crab resource depletion, environmental factors affecting habitats and spawning grounds, excessive fishing efforts beyond sustainable levels, and lack of collaboration in managing the blue swimming crab resources among government agencies, private sector, communities, and fishers.
To address these issues and ensure the sustainable recovery of the blue swimming crab resource, the Department of Fisheries has developed an Action Plan for Blue Swimming Crab Management through a participatory process involving stakeholders from all sectors nationwide. The operational plan sets forth effective and comprehensive management approaches, considering scientific evidence, and economic, social, and environmental factors that are interconnected. This is also aimed at raising awareness of the current situation and collectively managing the resource for long-term sustainable utilization, thus improving the livelihoods of fishers.

The trend of blue swimming crab production has been decreasing, from 40,100 tons in 1997 to 36,245 tons in 2021. This is divided into the amount caught in the Gulf of Thailand, which is 28,544 tons (78.75% of the total catch), and the Andaman Sea, which is 7,701 tons (21.24%). The catch is mainly carried out by artisanal fishing vessels, accounting for 31,787 tons (87.70%), and commercial fishing vessels, accounting for 12.29%. Meanwhile, the value of blue swimming crabs has been continuously increasing. Currently, blue swimming crabs are caught by the main fishing gear including crab traps and crab nets. However, other fishing gear such as beam trawl, otter board trawl, and pairs trawl could catch blue swimming crabs incidentally as a bycatch.

The Action Plan for Blue Swimming Crab Management 2023 – 2027 has been developed under the (draft) Policy and Fisheries Management Plan 2023-2027, which includes the development of fisheries in the Thai waters, consisting of three strategies:

1) Promoting participatory fisheries management and resource management.

2) Rehabilitating and maintaining a diverse and sustainable aquatic resource for sustainable fisheries.

3) Establishing law enforcement standards and power distribution, with a focus on developing natural fishing grounds in Thai waters.

The objective of the Action Plan is to efficiently manage fisheries resources, sustainably maintain the level of fishery production, and improve the livelihoods of fishermen. This is achieved through development in conjunction with the conservation and restoration of fisheries resources and the environment, as well as the promotion and development of the fishing profession. Research and technology in fisheries are also emphasized. Based on the above policies, the goal of The Action Plan for Blue Swimming Crab Management 2023 – 2027 is as follows:

1. The blue swimming crab resource is restored to a suitable level and can produce maximum yield sustainably;

2. Blue swimming crab fishing is responsible and sustainable;

3. The habitats and shelters of crab offspring are protected and enriched.

4. Blue swimming crab fishers can create social and economic value.

5. The potential for managing crab resources is efficient and responsive to the current fishing situation.

The Department of Fisheries has established important measures to increase the production of blue swimming crabs in natural habitats in order to control the fishing activities of blue swimming crabs to be consistent with the reference point of maximum sustainable yield. This includes addressing illegal fishing practices to a manageable level, resolving conflicts between artisanal fishing groups and commercial fishing groups, protecting and restoring the habitats of blue swimming crabs and aquatic ecosystems, and responsibly managing blue swimming crab resources. Additionally, it involves building collaborative networks in resource management to raise awareness of the current situation and collectively manage and sustainably utilize blue swimming crab resources in the future.

Department of Fisheries, Thailand

2023

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