Guidelines for Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) Stock Enhancement of a Fishery Community in Trang Province, Andaman Sea Coast of Thailand

This study was conducted to find a suitable program and procedure for blue swimming crab (BSC) stock enhancement which is guided by the fishery community and to identify the level of agreement and cooperation of the fishermen in assessing BSC management options. This study also explored the primary information on socioeconomic status of BSC fishers and BSC fishing characteristics in the study areas. The sample respondents of this study included three groups: 265 BSC fishers, 27 BSC dealers, and 8 local authorities. The first group was selected by accidental sampling technique whereas the second and the third groups were selected by purposive sampling techniques. Survey results revealed that most of the fishers agreed (WAI=4.11±0.85) to set up the stock enhancement project in their communities by using the following procedures; 1) select a suitable site; 2) explain the rationale and objectives of the project; 3) establish fisher groups; 4) arrange workshop and training about berried female BSC hatching; 5) set up a meeting for working procedure and assign working groups; 6) practice on hatching the BSC; 7) release of the larvae; and 8) management of female BSC after hatching. In practice, the process should be thoroughly investigated and experimented in pilot communities to confirm the methodology and acceptance from the fishers before starting the project. There also should be specialists consulting and assessing the working group regularly. Proper guidelines should be established for the communities in order for them to continue the stock enhancement of BSC, using their own funds as a long term activity.