Towards rights-based fisheries: The case of Bang Saphan bay

Abstract

Bang Saphan Bay Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM) is a pilot project that was started in 1999, to deal with the issue of fishery conflicts in the area over the resources, by setting new regulations and ensuring an effective enforcement system. It aimed at testing a rights-based fishery management approach. The project shows that the potential of local fishers can be developed through participation in fisheries management activities and by their practicing responsible fishing. It has led steadily to the establishment of local fishery institutions for the management of fishery resources and fishing activities, although the pilot project still needs legal backing to come formally into existence.