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.
Impact Value Chain
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About the project
Problem
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.
Solution
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.
- Budget
- 0.00 Baht
Impact Goals
SDG 14 · Life Below Water
To improve economic well-being of small scale fishermen in Southern Thailand
- 14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
SDG 14 · Life Below Water
To conserve ocean ecosystem through sustainable fishery
- 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
SDG 5 · Gender Equality
To empower women from small scale fishermen households through employment
- 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
Stakeholder
Small scale fishermen
Description
500 small scale fishermen distributed in 5 locations, including Prachuap, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, Pattalung and Songkhla.
Problem / opportunity / challenge encountered by this stakeholder
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
Women engaged in seafood processing
Description
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.
Problem / opportunity / challenge encountered by this stakeholder
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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