The Institute of Marine Science (BIMS), Burapha University, led by Dr Adisorn Monwiset, Acting Head of the Bangsaen Underwater World Learning Center, together with staff members, organised the activity “Save the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, Return Life to the Sea at Samaesan, Sattahip, Chon Buri” at the Thai Island and Sea Natural History Museum, Samaesan Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province. The activity was organised in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 71st birthday, to support the conservation and restoration of marine resources in the Samaesan Islands.
Project Coordinator: Dr. Adisorn Monwiset, Acting Head of the Bangsaen Underwater World Learning Center
Objectives:
A key objective of the activity was to increase the population of brownbanded bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum) in their natural habitat around the Samaesan Islands, Sattahip, Chon Buri. The activity also aimed to raise public and stakeholder awareness and understanding of the importance of conserving brownbanded bamboo sharks and marine resources, while promoting collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities in marine conservation and restoration.
Program Activities:
Dr Bunlung Nuangsaeng, Director of the Institute of Marine Science, delivered a report outlining the project’s objectives. Assistant Professor Dr Paitoon Kaewhom, Assistant to the President for Technology Transfer and Social Engagement, presided over the opening ceremony, representing the President of Burapha University. The event was also attended by Rear Admiral Banphot Nithinat Aphassiri, Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, Royal Thai Fleet, who delivered a welcoming address, and Mr Kamchai Tangthamsathit, President of the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, who shared the organisation’s policy and support for the project.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
The success of this conservation initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among multiple partner organisations, including the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, the Naval Special Warfare Command, Royal Thai Fleet, and the Samaesan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation. Through this collaborative effort, BIMS and its partners continue to contribute to conserving marine biodiversity and restoring healthy, resilient marine ecosystems in Thailand, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water and promoting the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.
