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On March 9, 2025, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, along with Dr. Mongkol Teerananond, Vice President, and Assistant Professor Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services and Head of the Blue Swimming Crab Bank Research Project, welcomed Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), along with ministry executives and distinguished members of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The delegation visited the Hua Thanon Community Blue Swimming Crab Bank in Maret Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, to follow up on the progress of the project, "Blue Swimming Crab Bank: A Coastal Resource Management Tool for Sustainable Utilization." 

Implemented by Walailak University, the project has yielded tangible results for coastal fishers, with a noticeable increase in the population of blue swimming crabs. This has led to greater crab harvests and increased income for local communities.

 

The Blue Swimming Crab Bank expansion project is spearheaded by the NRCT under MHESI in collaboration with Walailak University. It serves as a model research initiative demonstrating the successful application of research and innovation. Beyond restoring marine resources and biodiversity, the project has generated measurable economic and social benefits.

According to reports from the Department of Fisheries, the volume of blue swimming crab harvests has steadily increased since the project's launch in 2019. The cumulative crab catch has exceeded 180,999 tons, generating sales revenue of over 53.3 billion baht. On average, annual crab harvests amount to approximately 36,200 tons, with an estimated value of 10.86 billion baht - representing a 67% increase compared to pre-project levels.

The Blue Swimming Crab Bank Research Project has expanded significantly, establishing 565 crab banks and 52 learning centers to disseminate knowledge to the public. These centers have welcomed over 157,475 visitors, with more than 400 local experts engaged in further knowledge transfer. Additionally, around 5,600 individuals have gained expertise in crab nursery, hatching, and coastal resource conservation. The project has benefited over 2,000 coastal fishing communities, 93,000 fishing households, and over 20,000 businesses in related industries, including cold storage facilities, restaurants, and tourism enterprises.

As part of the expansion of the Blue Swimming Crab Bank from Koh Samui District, a total of 43 crab banks have been established. These include seven in Koh Samui, three in Koh Phangan, 20 in Chaiya, nine in Tha Chana, two in Don Sak, and two in Kanchanadit.