Sea Guardians by Thai Sea Watch Association

By establishing Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), Sea Guardians seeks to protect marine biodiversity, restore degraded ecosystems, and build the long-term resilience of communities facing growing environmental and economic pressures.

Location:

Thailand

Period:

1 Oct 2024 - 1 Oct 2027

Status:

Active

Partner:

Sea Guardians is a co-created initiative developed in partnership with the Thai Sea Watch Association (TSWA), co-funders, marine scientists, and impact consultants. Rooted in the knowledge and leadership of small-scale fisherfolk, the project puts coastal communities at the heart of marine conservation in Thailand.

Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
Photo by TSWAPhoto by TSWA

Challenge

Thailand’s marine ecosystems are under severe threat from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These pressures have led to declining fish populations, depleted resources, and the degradation of entire ecosystems. Small-scale fishing communities are especially vulnerable - grappling with economic hardship due to limited market access and weak bargaining power in the global seafood supply chain. Compounding these challenges is the lack of a comprehensive, sustainable resource management framework that meaningfully includes local communities in the stewardship and conservation of marine resources. 

ChallengePhoto by TSWAPhoto by TSWA
ApproachPhoto by TSWAPhoto by TSWA

Approach

The Sea Guardians project takes a community-centered approach to marine conservation, placing small-scale fishing communities at the core of its efforts. Key components include: 

  • Empowering communities to manage and steward marine resources through the establishment of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). 
  • Promoting sustainable fishing practices to restore marine biodiversity and degraded ecosystems. 
  • Training community agents to share knowledge on resource management and create a ripple effect that spreads sustainable practices to neighboring areas. 
  • Integrating alternative livelihoods, such as eco-tourism and small-scale sustainable businesses, to reduce dependence on fishing. 
  • Establishing revolving funds to support community development and provide emergency relief. 
  • Strengthening networks of fishing associations to enhance collaboration and improve resource management across communities. 

Outcomes

By 2027

45 coastal communities will have developed and implemented formal coastal resource management plans, with clear progress toward achieving LMMA or OECM designation.

At least 10 model communities will serve as hubs to train and mentor neighboring villages, accelerating the adoption of sustainable resource management practices across the region.

Revolving funds will be established in all participating communities, enabling access to capital for alternative livelihoods and emergency support.

At least 5 sustainable community-led businesses - including eco-tourism, aquaculture, and artisanal products - will be operational, improving local income and reducing dependency on fishing. 

Ecological restoration efforts - such as the deployment of artificial reef structures, mangrove replanting, and seagrass bed protection - will result in measurable improvements in habitat health across priority sites.

Marine biodiversity indicators, such as species richness and biomass, will show positive trends in monitored areas due to strengthened community-led conservation. 

The project will directly support Thailand’s contribution to the 30x30 global target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by expanding effectively conserved marine areas. 

Join us in empowering coastal communities and protecting Thailand’s marine ecosystems. 
We’re seeking like-minded partners to co-fund and scale the Sea Guardians project. If you're interested in supporting sustainable financing models and expanding the adoption of OECMs and LMMAs across Thailand’s coastline, get in touch - we’d love to explore how we can collaborate.