Complied report LOA/RAP/2005/39: a technical assessment for determining the level of fishing capacity, impact of tsunami on fishery resources and identification of resources access and other fishery-related issues in the impacted area

The Indian Ocean Tsunami that hit the Andaman Coast of Thailand in December 2004 was the worst natural disaster the country ever faced. Humanitarian aid and other immediate relief efforts poured in from sources around the world as part of the emergency responses. Issues such as food, temporary shelter, water supply, health and sanitation were given priority. Damages to human, properties and their livelihoods were rapidly assessed by various organizations and, based largely on these assessments, several permanent housing projects and boat replacement programs began. In parallel, rapid assessments of impacts to coastal and environmental resources were conducted, giving scientific communities, natural resource managers and policy makers a unique opportunity to examine where things are and, more importantly, to consider where they should be.