Overseas Projects

Utilisation and Knowledge of Biodiversity in the Ranong Biosphere

Mangrove biodiversity cast netting and the setting of barrier the RBR need to be better informed about
nets, long lines, baited traps and fixed “V” the mangrove forest, its resources and its
conservation and its traps. Mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) and ecological and economic benefits. They
sustainable utilisation by small shrimp (Acetes), which are must be made aware of the permitted and
traditional coastal communities processed into a shrimp paste (‘kapi’) as non-permitted activities in the RBR, and
a cottage industry, are the crustacean the reasons for these and other
has become a central aim of species most identifiable with the environmental regulations.
mangrove forest ecosystem mangroves, as well as being very A co-management approach is needed
management in Thailand and important in the local economy. There is which can strengthen cooperation
also a high level of exploitation of between the government agencies
many other Asian countries. mangrove sesarmid crabs for export to involved with the RBR, and the local
Bangkok as salted crab. people. With greater cooperation, some
The Ranong Biosphere Reserve (RBR) on
forms of Stewardship may also be
the Andaman Sea Coast of Southern Groupers are the single most valuable possible to give the local communities a
Thailand was studied as a good example fish group associated with the Ranong stronger feeling of ownership and
of a recently protected coastal area, mangroves. Grouper fingerlings are responsibility in the conservation
where research into the utilisation and trapped in cages for sale to the owners of management of the mangrove ecosystem
knowledge of different species is needed floating fish cages, who rear the fish to they depend on for their livelihoods.
to ensure that conservation management marketable size to supply the export
in the reserve is not only effective, but market for live marine fish. Many fisher Reference
also sensitive and responsive to the families now have their own cages and Macintosh, D.J., Ashton, E.C. and V.
traditional ways of life of the local on-rear grouper fingerlings and other Tansakul, 2002. Utilisation and
communities. The RBR includes species as a supplementary occupation Knowledge of Biodiversity in the
traditional communities of different to fishing/collecting. Ranong Biosphere Reserve,
ethnic/ religious backgrounds (Thai Aquaculture development has great Thailand. ITCZM Monograph No7.
Buddhist, Thai Moslems, Sea Gypsies and potential to benefit local fisher families
Chinese). who are faced with declining catches
from fishing. Mud crab culture to produce
The main objective of this study was: soft shell crab and meat crab products is
also expanding rapidly in Ranong and the
To record the utilisation and first mussel farm in the RBR started
knowledge of mangrove-associated recently. However, such developments in
plant and animal species by local aquaculture need to be carefully
communities living in and around controlled to avoid competition between
the Ranong Biosphere Reserve. wealthy investors from outside the RBR
and the local communities. Water
Several hundred people utilise the natural pollution and aquatic disease problems
resources of the Ranong Biosphere are other potential risks if aquaculture
Reserve. The mangrove forest ecosystem development continues to be
provides local people with a wide range of unregulated.
species and materials, ranging from
mangrove wood products used for Although there is an effective regulation
fuelwood (firewood and charcoal), fishing banning the cutting of mangrove trees in
gear and housing, to fish, molluscs, the RBR, the aquatic biodiversity belongs
crustaceans and other aquatic species to a common pool open to many
which are eaten or sold for income. Many competing interests. There is no resource
species of molluscan shellfish (mainly allocation and where regulations do exist
oysters, mussels, cockles and clams) are (e.g. the ban on motorised push net
gathered by hand, especially by women fishing) there is no enforcement.
and children, while men are mainly Exclusion of non-traditional users of the
engaged in fishing and crab collecting. mangrove ecosystem is not possible in
More than twenty mollusc species alone practice and there are no incentives to
are taken from the Ranong Biosphere conserve or protect aquatic resources.
Reserve. Oyster collecting is most
important to the livelihoods of the poorest Local people still have little
families who are sea gypsies living at a understanding about the objectives of the
remote site on Koh Lao island. Fishing RBR and have so far not been involved in
methods range from primitive spear Mr Peh inspecting grouper production
its management. The local people within
fishing (also done by the sea gypsies) to

12 AQUACULTURE News May 2003