The Traditional Practice of Fishery Governance in Coastal Zone Management: The Case of Chumphon Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the fishers’ practices, experiences and participation in the coastal resource management. This is part of the practical outcome of the locally-based coastal resource management project implemented in Chumphon Province in 2001-2006. This project adopted the CBFM and co-management approaches. The fishers’ participation was a strategic tool to practically pursue these two approaches in achieving the sustainability of the coastal resources. These two approaches also support mechanically the exercise of fishery governance and institution. Since the system of fishery governance and institution that are already present in the province, is traditionally practiced by the local fish farmers and crab trap fishers, these two stakeholders have practically undergone self-governance particularly on the conflict resolution aspect in designated coastal areas.