Eco-Friendly Fishing Net Bags

 

Eco-Friendly Fishing Net Bags

(Mod Tanoi Community, Trang Province)

The Eco-Friendly Fishing Net Bag (Thung Ouan Rak Lok) is a flagship upcycled product created by the Mod Tanoi Ecotourism Community Enterprise (Koh Libong Subdistrict, Kantang District, Trang Province). Designed to combat marine debris, these bags directly help protect rare marine life—most notably the dugongs that inhabit the waters around Koh Libong.

1. Origin & Story

When local small-scale fishermen encounter abandoned or damaged fishing gear (ghost nets) drifting in the ocean, they retrieve them. Previously, these discarded nets were sold to scrap buyers for a mere few baht per kilogram. Left untreated, ghost nets pose a lethal threat to dugongs, sea turtles, and fragile seagrass beds.

To solve this, the community united: the fishermen retrieve the ghost nets from the sea, while local women and homemakers clean, process, and sew them into stylish, functional upcycled products.

2. Key Features

• Durability & Functionality: Made from heavy-duty nylon/fishing netting, these bags are exceptionally strong, lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and capable of holding significant weight.

• Versatile Designs: Crafted into various styles, including:

  • Crossbody bags

  • Shopping / Tote bags

  • Water bottle holders & multipurpose pouches

• 100% Handmade: Each piece requires meticulous cleaning, sorting, and edge-binding with colorful fabric trim, making every bag a unique piece of art.

. Pricing & Ordering

• Price Range: Approx. 300 – 400 THB per bag (depending on size and design complexity).

• Where to Purchase:

  • On-site: Mod Tanoi Ecotourism Community Enterprise, Kantang District, Trang.

  • Online / Direct Contact: Local coordinators such as Malisa Thongsai (Tel: +66 90-876-4362, +66 65-356-3002) or through community tourism network channels.

4. Environmental & Social Impact

• Marine Conservation: Removes hazardous netting from the ocean, protecting local dugong populations and marine ecosystems.

• Sustainable Income: Transforms low-value waste into high-value products, supplementing the income of local fishing families.

• Model Community: Positions Mod Tanoi as a national role model for zero-waste initiatives and community-based eco-tourism.