Then, commercial trawlers from the mainland were illegally overfishing the waters around Koh Yao Noi, destroying vital coral reefs in the process.
The number of local fishers declined as catches got smaller and smaller. It seemed like Koh Yao Noi had no choice but to turn to mass-market tourism.
But instead area fishers decided to form a cooperative to put pressure on local authorities to crack down on the illegal fishing activities. And the coop sought help from REST to promote conservation and develop a sustainable economy.
The plan worked. Fishing soon rebounded as illegal trawlers were booted out of the area.
"What the people in Koh Yao Noi realized is that the most important thing is to protect your natural resources," said Potjana Suansri, the REST project coordinator. "For them the most important resource is their fish."
A typical catch 15 years ago was less than 2.2 pounds (a kilogram) a day. Today, local fishermen can catch up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) a day of fish, shrimp, and crab, using traps, stationary gill nets, and hook and line.
Best Seafood
The island's economy is closely tied to the tourism-based business in Phuket. Only 20 percent of the fish is sold locally; the rest is exported to Phuket. Connoisseurs claim that Koh Yao Noi has the best seafood in Thailand.
And the islanders have not turned their back on tourists.
"Tourism can be a tool for development," Suansri said. "But the local community must claim ownership of the tourism trade and become involved in the way it is managed. Otherwise it doesn't benefit them but only outside people."
REST encouraged the villagers to start organizing tour programs and hosting visitors in their homes to share their traditional way of life.
"We welcome our visitors as friends," said Prasit Kebtrap, who has been part of the home-stay program for several years. "It's an opportunity for us to show our way of life."
Tanat Srisamut, another fisher, agrees. He says he is happy to see tourists come to the island. "But not too many," he said. "Then I can't hear the birds sing."
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