14.5.3 Programs towards good aquatic stewardship practices
Metric: Maintaining a local ecosystem
Develop and support programmes and incentives that encourage and maintain good aquatic stewardship practices
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) actively promotes and maintains good aquatic stewardship through various programs and initiatives:
- Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Science: Offered by the Faculty of Natural Resources, this program provides comprehensive education in aquatic ecology, aquaculture, and aquatic resource management.
- Master of Science in Aquaculture and Fishery Resources (International Program): This graduate program focuses on advanced studies in aquaculture and fishery resource management, emphasizing sustainable practices.
The Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC) at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) implements several aquatic stewardship practices to preserve and protect marine ecosystems:
1. Monitoring and Assessment: COCC conducts regular monitoring of coastal water quality and marine biodiversity to assess ecosystem health and identify potential threats.
2. Research on Climate Change Impacts: The center studies the effects of climate change on coastal and marine environments, focusing on sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and temperature fluctuations.
3. Sustainable Resource Management: COCC develops strategies for sustainable management of marine resources, promoting practices that balance ecological health with human needs.
4. Community Engagement and Education: The center engages with local communities to raise awareness about marine conservation and encourages participation in stewardship activities.
5. Policy Development Support: COCC provides scientific data and expertise to inform policy decisions related to marine conservation and resource management.
- Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture: Innovative Mud Crab Breeding Practices at PSU Pattani
The project at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Pattani Campus, in collaboration with the Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center, focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mud crab aquaculture. The initiative involves developing new housing systems and methods to stimulate female mud crabs to spawn eggs externally. This innovative approach addresses challenges in traditional breeding techniques and aims to increase the efficiency of mud crab farming.
One of the key aspects of this project is its emphasis on sustainable aquaculture practices. By improving the breeding process of mud crabs, the initiative helps reduce dependence on wild-caught broodstock, thus alleviating pressure on natural crab populations. This contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity while supporting the growing demand for aquaculture products. The focus on research and development underscores the importance of science-based solutions in enhancing the sustainability of aquaculture industries.
Additionally, the project has a positive socio-economic impact on the local community. By increasing the efficiency and yield of mud crab farming, it provides an opportunity for local farmers to boost their income and improve their livelihoods. This, in turn, supports food security and economic stability in coastal areas, highlighting the broader benefits of responsible and innovative aquaculture practices. Overall, the initiative exemplifies good aquatic stewardship by balancing ecological sustainability with economic development.
A Coral Catch program is developed by Gili Shark Conservation (NGO with the support of The International SeaKeepers Society and PADI) to encourage and empower Indonesian women, which pursue a career in marine conservation. Also it is a warm welcome that our lecturer is a part of the Coral Catch Ambassador (https://coralcatch.org/ambassadors), to connect and inspire a community of women in ocean science.