Research News

On June 8th, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, the Director of the Center for Academic Services (CAS) at Walailak University, participated in World Oceans Day activities under the theme "Awaken New Depth" to raise awareness and address the ocean crisis. The event took place at the Ban Haadsomboon Blue Swimming Crab Bank, organized by the Marine And Coastal Resources Office 4 Suratthani (MACRO4), Wang Sub-district, Tha Chana District, Surat Thani Province. Moreover, the Vice Governor of Surat Thani Province, presided over the opening ceremony, welcomed by the Tha Chana District Chief, the Chief Executive of the Wang SAO, community leaders, local teachers, and students.

The event featured activities such as releasing baby blue swimming crabs, collecting garbage, and planting trees along the beach. The objective was to promote marine conservation by encouraging local community involvement in preserving and developing their own seagrass resources. By coming together, they can help to maintain the sea in their area for beneficial use. This requires a conservation and protection strategy for the marine environment. Conservation is an important matter that must be understood; it involves proper use without causing destruction and not being overly protective to the point of preventing any beneficial use. Also, the key to successful conservation depends on various factors.

CAS, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), local communities, and stakeholders, plans to drive this activity annually to conserve and restore ecosystems and raise awareness among fishermen about sustainable resource use. These ongoing activities aim to create a circular economy in the area and provide fishermen with opportunities to build careers, such as establishing blue swimming crab banks, fish houses, and marine protected areas, and promoting creative tourism. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG14: Life Below Water (conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development), SDG2: Zero Hunger (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture), and SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals (strengthen partnerships with relevant networks and organizations).