Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sukree Haji Samae
(Prince of Songkhla University, Thailand)

Profile

Born as fisher-boy and trained as coastal aquaculturist, fishing technologist and fisheries ecologist has brought me becoming a scientist with fisherman’s mind.  My research is focused mainly on holistic ecology and biology of aquatic fauna including fish, crab, shrimp and mollusc in estuarine habitats. I have also been working on trophic ecology of those organisms related to ecosystem and environmental aspects of the area. A particular interest in ecological and management approaches of Pattani bay, a small semi-enclosed habitat, where both science and social science integrated has been part of my study. Assessing impacts of physical construction such as wave barriers, artificial reefs, green mussel reefs along coastal habitats on faunal assemblage and distribution is another angle of my work. Recently, I have involved in building a pioneer team working on the ecology, biology and aquaculture of mud crab and developing rab banking project in the lower Gulf of Thailand. I have published more than 52 research papers and five books. Additionally, I have a particular interest in contributing to community development programs as part of my hobby to improve quality of life of people especially those living in remote areas and coasts. Also, I usually involve with planning, organizing and evaluating several projects done by both local and regional governments particularly in southern Thailand.

Abstract

Enhancing lives and livelihood of fisherman through community crab bank in Thailand

Sukree Hajisamae, Supat Khongpuang, Pun Yeesin, Amarin Thongwan, Tosapol Polrat, Chamnan Manil, Sulaiman Darao and Asree Daeboh

Faculty of Science and Technology,

Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand

Blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus, is one the main target species for fishermen in Thailand especially the small and medium scale fishers. The declination of crab stock due to overfishing and unhealthy fishing practices emerges the concept of community crab bank (CCB) in Thailand. This strategy aims to enhance crab stocks and ensure sustainable use of crab resources by allowing gravid female crabs to spawn, with the help of fishermen, before being sold. Several models of CCB have been developed including the Japanese model, donation model, purchase model, loan model and ownership model. Two main technical types of CCB are used; cage and tank systems. In Thailand, the government has agreed to established 500 crab banks in 500 villages within 2 years. During 2019-2022, we developed 13 CBs in the deep south of Thailand. It is estimated form the indirect assessment from crab fisheries statistics and fisherfolks’ responses, blue swimming crab stock has been increased and more fishers turns crabbers. The key success factor for managing CCB includes leadership, membership, management skill, budget, supporters and networks.

Key words; fisheries management, rehabilitation of resources, smart fishing, responsible fisheries