7.1 Thailand has rich shellfish resources which could be obtained from natural areas or produced through culture. Over 100 000 tons are produced annually of which about 55 percent is produced through culture.
7.2 The major economic species which are mainly utilized for food are green mussel, horse mussel, carpet shell, cockle and oyster. All except the carpet shell which is derived solely from wild sources, can be produced through culture. The culture of these species is highly productive and can be a very good source of additional food item and source of income for coastal communities all over the country.
7.3 While about 5 000 hectares are presently devoted to shellfish farming producing over 100 000 tons of shellfish, there are still more than 60 000 hectares of suitable and available grounds for the expansion of the industry. Support for this expansion will be of benefit for the increase of food supply and the economy of the country.
7.4 Recent cultural methods are simple and traditional. The introduction of improved techniques of culture proven to be feasible in other areas should be introduced and adapted to local conditions. It is expected that the adoption of improved techniques can increase production considerably in existing production areas.
7.5 A survey of the utilization or processing of various shellfish species should be conducted. It is recommended that the improvement of these methods as well as introduction of new ones should be supported. Processed products, acceptable or preferred by foreign markets should be encouraged.
7.6 Quality control is an important element in the production, distribution, handling and processing of shellfish products. Shellfish culture grounds should be free from pollution especially from sewage contamination in order to preserve their sanitary quality when consumed fresh. It is advisable that purification treatment methods for shellfish which have been developed and standardized be adopted in the country as soon as possible. Processed products should be standardized so that they can be acceptable to the consumption areas either foreign or local.
7.7 An in-depth marketing study, locally, regionally and internationally, should be conducted in order to find suitable outlets for the expected expansion of production. Alternative uses of shellfish production for animal feeding and for the feeding of hatchery-raised finfish or crustacean and for other uses should be explored and expanded.
7.8 Continued deterioration of the sites of production has been noted. Zonification of the coastal areas with the view of conserving sites strategic for shellfish production in order to provide continuing stock of economic shellfish species should be made. The areas designated as shellfish reserve zones should be segregated and decreed by law as reserved for this purpose.
7.9 The method of issuing sites for the use of shellfish farmers should be simplified and systematized. In this instance, both technical suitability and administrative facility should be given serious consideration.
7.10 While the country has high potential for shellfish production through aquaculture, this asset has not been fully exploited. In order to take full advantage of this potential, the activities to accelerate shellfisheries development assisted by international agencies as required should be included in the national social and economic development programme. A project proposal to attain this objective is appended (ANNEX A).
