The National Fisheries Institute’s Crab Council has joined the Thai Frozen Food Association’s Thai Crab Product Group, the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center and Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University (RBRU) in signed a memorandum of agreement to conduct research on the effectiveness of crab-bank cages.
The crab-bank cages, run by the Royal Development Study Center are part of an initiative, decreed by His Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand. The facilities aim to promote effective management of coastal fisheries, provide effective environmental programs and increase income in surrounding villages.
“This is an important step in understanding the science that may contribute to the sustainability of the blue swimming crab fishery,” said Phillips Foods’ Ed Rhodes, council chair. “The council has started to fund population enhancement efforts that include hatcheries and cages to protect egg bearing female crabs but if you don’t conduct the science to find out if they work, you’re missing a piece of the puzzle.”
“This research, in conjunction with work to develop broader fisheries improvement efforts along with regulations and policies that support those efforts will serve as a good foundation for crab sustainability work in Thailand,” said Jeremy Crawford, NFI Crab Council Asia liaison.
NFI also recently announced Gilpin, its first associate member, has joined the council.
