of Ban Don Bay and Phangnga Bay, Thailand - WorldFish Center

the bay's hydrological and water quality conditions in the future. Surat Thani, for instance, is one
of the largest urban zones. Continued development here will increase change in land use
patterns, pollution loads and coastal resources exploitation pressures.
Although on the west of Phangnga Bay are ecological characteristics similar to most
other areas in the Upper South, it harbors the largest intact mangrove forest in the country.
Wildlife is an important component in Phangnga National Park which also protects part of
this mangrove area. Important coastal resources abound with fertile fishing grounds and
aquaculture areas. Also, tourism is an important sector that could be sustained and enhanced.
Although population density is high, the bay's population has a traditional life-style and
shares similar cultural and life values with the other areas. The economic status and structure of
the populace are higher than those of the general Thai levels where resources are typically
based on agriculture, fisheries, mining and industry.
The CRM plan will provide the necessary background information for the preparation of a
macrolevel plan for the Upper South coastal zone management. Data on the interaction1
relationship of coastal resources and the various uses by people will assist in the formulation of
CRM guidelines applicable in the Upper South and to a degree, throughout the ASEAN region.