Assessment of water quality and aquaculture in Klong Na Ka, Ranong Province, Thailand

The goals of this research are to encourage improvement of monitoring practices and enable an estimation of carrying capacity for the inlet. Ultimately this research will build local capacity for monitoring the environmental impacts of aquaculture, and pave the way for sustainable aquaculture practices in Klong Na Ka. The objectives of this report are consistent with those stated in the 2-year work plan for the Post-Tsunami Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods Program. Specifically, this research addresses the following program objectives: (1) reestablish a diversity of sustainable livelihoods that emphasize reducing pressures on overexploited fishery resources, promote low impact aquaculture practices, and make full use of the benefits of responsible tourism; (2) build capacity of Thai agencies at the village, tombon, and provincial levels to better integrate existing policies and procedures affecting planning and decision-making in the coastal zone; and (3) promote learning and the efficient exchange of techniques and experience in the application of ICM principles and good practices both in Thailand and the region as a whole. (Author abstract, modified)