Changes of Andaman Sea Coastal Resources and Fishing Activities after Tsunami 2004

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the impacts of tsunami disaster on coastal resources and environment, and coastal small-scale fishing communities in 6 Andaman provinces. The study was conducted from January to August 2006 by using rapid rural appraisal, semi-structure interview and focus group methods. In addition, the secondary data, such as fishery statistics and tsunami impact reports, were also collected and synthesized. The results indicated that there was minor damage of mangrove forest in Phang-Nga and Satul whereas there were severe damage of beach area, beach forest and coral resources in Ranong. There was a slightly damage of seagrass bed and 3,957.5 rais of saline area in Ranong. The tsunami also changed water current direction, water turbidity and physical environment of fishing grounds. Fishing activities in the study areas were rather status quo; however, catches of some species after the tsunami increased abnormally. Number of local fishers decreased at a low level and the number of fishing boats increased significantly (25%). Most of the fishers (86%) mentioned that there was unfair and lack of transparency of village leaders in distribution of assistance to the victims, this resulted in diminishing of community unity. Fishers and crews from Myanmar created several social and environmental problems to coastal fishery community in Ranong and Phang-Nga. From discussions at several levels, it was concluded that for better coastal resources management program, the government should promote co-management to coastal communities while local people should participate more in resources management and environmental conservation.