Chanyut Sudtongkong and Suwat Tanyaros

pp. 375 - 380

Abstract

Abalone is generally known as a fishery resource of high economic value. The wild abalone from Libong Island is
widely known for its potential as a cocktail-size and high-quality broodstock for hatcheries. The high market price and
external demand have encouraged local fisherman to catch the wild abalone without proper management, resulting in a near
extinction crisis in the abalone population in this area. The present evaluation of abalone management at Libong Island,
Trang Province, Thailand, was conducted using local user perceptions. Sixteen performance indicators included effectiveness indicators, equity indicators, and sustainable indicators. These were measured to determine whether the abalone
management activities had achieved the set objectives in terms of better conditions for abalone cultivation and sustainability.
The results revealed that the abalone population has undergone degrading and decline due to lack of proper management
measures in this area. The findings suggest that practical management is needed for the abalone population at Libong Island.