Fish Shelter No.9: Ban Mai turns bamboo fish shelters into a symbol of community solidarity

The Ban Mai community in Songkhla Province established a coastal conservation and sea-farming group in B.E. 2554 and began building fish shelters in a designated conservation zone. A striking feature of the zone is a bamboo structure shaped like the Thai numeral 9 rising from the sea, which the community calls “Fish Shelter No. 9”. The number 9 has deep cultural significance in Thai society. Choosing this symbol is therefore a kind of soft power, turning ordinary waters into a sacred space that the community cares for and cherishes together.

Under the Sea Guardians Project, the community clearly demarcated a conservation zone covering more than 384 rai, marking it with buoys, flags and signs designating it as a community sea farm. The group established a management system led by 14 community leaders and a team of 10 volunteer patrol members, with strict rules that are tougher on community members than on outsiders. Outsiders who break the rules are fined 5,000-10,000 baht and have their equipment confiscated, while community members face a fine of up to 20,000 baht and removal from their position in the group. The group has also received official recognition from the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Monitoring data recorded 37 aquatic species in the first survey and 24 species in the subsequent follow-up, confirming that this area is serving as a living food bank for the community.

“Everything we do is driven by love and concern for natural resources, because these are the foundation of our community’s livelihood. Whatever happens, we must continue to protect and care for them so that future generations can also benefit from them.” — Mr Donharoman Lemma, member of the Ban Mai group