The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC)
was established under a bilateral agreement between the governments of
Thailand and Denmark after the
5th Thai-Danish Expedition in the Andaman Sea area off the coast of
Thailand in 1966. The first bilateral agreement (for 5 years) was signed
by the governments of Thailand and Denmark on October 16th, 1968. This
was followed by a 2nd agreement (for 4 year), and then a 3nd agreement
which ended in 1983 with a reduced contribution from the Danish
government. The latest 5 year cooperation between the two governments
was issued for 1996-2000. The Center was transferred from Department of
Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to the Department of
Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, in accordance with the Thai government agency reform of
October 3rd, 2002.
The PMBC is located at the southern end of Phuket Island on the
promontory called Laem Panwa about 10 km from the heart of
Phuket town.
The Center can be reached either by local bus called "song taew" meaning
a bus with two rows of seats from town (approx. 15 Baht) or by local
taxis (tuk-tuk), about 100-150 Baht depending on negotiation. It covers
an area of 8.4 hectares.
The main objective of the PMBC is to carry out research on and assess
abundance of the marine and coastal flora and fauna in the Andaman Sea
and the Gulf of Thailand. Ecological and systematic studies in
connection with oceanography and pollution in mangroves, sea grass beds,
and coral reefs should lead to the development of new technologies
applicable to effective resource management.
The reference collection and data base processing support education and
raise awareness of the need for conservation and the sustainable use of
resources by encouraging public participation and networking. In
addition, stronger local and international co-operation will increase
the productivity of the Center.
Marine and Costal Resource Exploration
This unit is responsible for investigation of marine and coastal
resources to yield information on size, abundance, and distribution of
various species. Changes of species composition and abundance of marine
and coastal resources are monitored. Research and development of
technologies to support the rehabilitation of damaged coastal habitats
are also pursued.
Marine Biology and Ecology
This unit carries out research in coastal ecosystems such as coral
reefs, estuaries, sea grass beds, and various types of beaches. Research
on the population dynamics, the interrelationships between species and
the environmental factors which affect them, is used to evaluate the
importance of these ecosystems to the overall richness of marine living
resources. Also, the impact of human activities on the coastal ecosystem
is monitored and the rehabilitation of degraded resources is also
investigated.
Marine and Costal Resource Production and Assessment
This unit investigates the community structure of the marine and coastal
resources. Assessment of the status of resources and the changes in
various types of marine pelagic and benthic organisms, food chains, and
harmful algal blooms such as the red tide phenomena, is a goal of this
unit. Laboratory
experiments on enhancing production are also carried out.
Reference Collection and Aquarium
This unit conducts research on taxonomy, systematic, phylogeny, and
genetic biodiversity of marine and coastal resources collected from
various habitats. An organized stock of specimens as references for
local and international researchers is maintained. Life history and
behavior of captive marine organisms are studied. Breeding of rare and
vulnerable species for aquarium purpose are developed. Public awareness
of resource conservation.
Marine Endangered Species
The objectives of this unit are to study the distribution, biology and
population characteristics of endangered and threatened marine species,
especially sea turtles, dugongs, and whales, in the Andaman Sea. The
biology, community structure, population genetics, and habitat
preference are studied. The unit also communicates new information
concerning these species to increase public awareness of the need for
conservation.
Oceanography and Environment
The unit undertakes environmental research into physical, chemical,
biological parameters as well as the problem of marine pollution. Study
area includes the coastal zone, estuaries and offshore waters of the
Andaman Sea. Coastal waters are monitored, and toxicity bioassays on the
effects of pollutants on marine organisms are conducted. The biological
oceanography of important pelagic fish resources in the Andaman Sea is
under investigation.
Administration
The unit is responsible for administrative work supporting the whole
center. The duties include documentation, accounting, personnel,
security, public utilities, as well as providing service to and
maintenance of facilities. The unit also organizes the activities
associated with courses and makes arrangements for workshops. The
library and research vessels (R/V Chakratong Tongyai and R/V Boonlert
Phasuk) are included in this unit.
e
5th Thai-Danish Expedition in the Andaman Sea area off the coast of
Thailand in 1966. The first bilateral agreement (for 5 years) was signed
by the governments of Thailand and Denmark on October 16th, 1968. This
was followed by a 2nd agreement (for 4 year), and then a 3nd agreement
which ended in 1983 with a reduced contribution from the Danish
government. The latest 5 year cooperation between the two governments
was issued for 1996-2000. The Center was transferred from Department of
Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to the Department of
Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, in accordance with the Thai government agency reform of
October 3rd, 2002.
unit. Laboratory
experiments on enhancing production are also carried out.