Fisherfolk
In the last decade an increasing number of small-scale fishermen in Southern Thailand encountered the problem of diminishing sea catches which was mainly the result of unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing, use of inappropriate fishing gears that destroys the seafloor habitat, a lack of moratorium, etc. Such practices upset the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem and erode the marine food web which could potentially lead to loss of other important marine life. The Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Association educates the small-scale fishermen who are their members of sustainable fishing practices and set up rules for which they have to abide. Fisherfolk is set up as a business arm of the federation to act as the middleman to link the seafood from the small-scale fishermen with consumers. Fisherfolk pays the small-scale fishermen at a price around 5-20% higher than that offered by the other middlemen as an incentive for them to commit to sustainable fishing practices. On top of that, 20% of the profit from Fisherfolk is allocated to support marine conservation activities.
Over the past decade, an increasing number of small-scale fishermen in southern Thailand have experienced declining catches as a result of unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing, the use of inappropriate fishing gear that destroys underwater marine habitats, or incomplete fishing intervals. These practices have negatively impacted the balance of marine ecosystems, disrupted the marine food chain, and may even lead to the loss of other important marine species.
The Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Association (FTFA) provides training on sustainable fishing to its member small-scale fishermen and sets the rules for them to follow. Fisherfolk was established as the association's business unit, connecting small-scale fishermen to consumers. Fisherfolk pays small-scale fishermen a premium of 5-20% over other middlemen to incentivize them to adopt sustainable fishing practices. Fisherfolk also contributes 20% of its profits to support marine conservation efforts.
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To improve economic well-being of small scale fishermen in Southern Thailand
Goal 14: Life Below Water
14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
To conserve ocean ecosystem through sustainable fishery
Goal 14: Life Below Water
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
To empower women from small scale fishermen households through employment
Goal 5: Gender Equality
5.5 Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life
Small scale fishermen |
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500 small scale fishermen distributed in 5 locations, including Prachuap, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, Pattalung and Songkhla.
Low and unstable income due to 1) diminishing amount of sea catches due to overfishing by commercial fishing boats; 2) price monopoly and exploitation by middlemen |
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Fisherfolk purchases sea catches from small scale fishermen at prices 5-20% higher than market rate |
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Regulate fishing practices (i.e. forbid the use of destructive equipment, impose fishing moratorium) |
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Allocate 20% profit to support local fishermen in conducting conservation activities |
Replenishment of fish stock
Fish shelters and crab banks built using Fisherfolk’s marine conservation fund |
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Women engaged in seafood processing |
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Women primarily from fisher households who are engaged in seafood processing. They have been trained in seafood processing and they process sea catches into frozen products at Fisherfolk's processing facilities.
Fisher households typically depend on fishing as their primary or sole source of income. By creating employment opportunities for women in Fisherfolk’s processing facilities, the initiative diversifies household income, empowers women, and contributes to overall family wellbeing. |
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Provide employment in seafood processing |
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Enhance household financial wellbeing through increased savings, reduced debt, and improved ability to manage financial shocks, such as school fees or medical emergencies.250000 Baht 150000 Baht
Women in fisher households able to access employment Increase in income |
| No. of fishermen Fisherfolk purchases from | Fishermen | 300 | 500 | Bi-annually |
| Small scale fishermen's monthly income from fishing | Baht | 8000 | 10000 | Monthly |
| No. of fishermen in Fisherfolk's network | Fishermen | 500 | 600 | Bi-annually |
| No. of women employed in seafood processing | Women | 20 | 30 | Bi-annually |
| Monthly income earned from seafood processing | Baht | 0 | 5000 | Monthly |
| Small scale fishermen's monthly income from fishing | Baht | 8000 | 10000 | Monthly |
| Small scale fishermen household debt | Baht | 250000 | 150000 | Bi-annually |
| Weight of sea catches per fishing trip | Kg | 100 | 200 | Quarterly |
| Types of aquatic animals present in each fishing trip | Type | Quarterly | ||
| Increase in small aquatic animals near fish shelters by observation | ||||
| Women have higher negotiation power within family, e.g. mobility freedom, financial management | ||||
| Small scale fishermen household debt | Baht | 250000 | 150000 | Bi-annually |