Thale Noi (or Noi Sea) with an approximate area of 3,000 ha used to be a ship route between Khuankhanoon District of Phattalung Province and Ranoad District of Songkhla Province. It had been an abundant source for fresh water fishes and other water species. The factor that causes this richness is the good circulation of water between the gulf of Thailand and the Noi Sea.The circulation naturally occurs through 2 water channels at Ranoad District and at Klong Nang Riam ( or Nang Riam Canal).

Aiming to promote rice farming in some portion of the surrounding area by controlling the amount of sea water from the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Irrigation Department had built the dam across the channel at Ranoad District. However, this activity has tremendously affected the ecosystems of Thale Noi.About 15 water species had been extinct, approximately 34,880 ha of the soil had become acidic and was of no use for rice farming. About 1,000 families of fishing communities (or about 6,000

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persons) have been under this adverse circumstance. The number of fishes is decreasing, the sea became shallower and filled with aggressive unwanted weed rendering the difficulty for fishing boats to sail along. The circumstance had brought about migration to big towns of many fishing families.

Nevertheless, some population of the Thale Noi has perceived the solution for this problem and thus carried out the activity. During march - August 1997, this population had launched dredging activity around the embankment for approximately 17,300 m. in order that the circulation of water would be resumed. Due to limited experience, the amount of work done was not substantial and the project requires further support.

Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1. To demonstrate the effectiveness of dredging the silt around the shore of Thale Noi and other canals which connect to it. The successful model would be employed for a bigger scale of dredging.
2. To develop the Thale Noi to be a rich source of food just like it once was
3. To develop the ship route between Phattalung Province , Songkhla Province and Nakhonsithammarat
4. To generate additional income for the population of Thale Noi through ecotourism and fishery

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.To dredge the silt around the shore of Thale Noi at 30 m.wide,1.50 m. deep and 1,000 m.long by employing one unit of dredging boat
2. Twice trainings / seminars

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. 820 fishing families from 8 villages totalling about 4,100 population
2. 180 members of Ban Phanangtung Saving Group
3. 133 farming families of Tambol Thale Noi totaling about 665 population
4. 64 members of Ban Phanangtung Housewife Group
5. 44 members of Thale Noi and Phanangtung Tambo Administrative Organization

Anticipated results of project:

1. Communication by sea is facilitated.
2. Rate of migration into big town for other employment is reduced.
3. Additional income through fishery and selling local products to tourists
4. More food in the form of shrimps, fishes and rice

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