Thailand's Cabinet has approved a 12.76-billion-baht fisheries management plan for 2023-2027, aimed at rebuilding aquatic resources, preventing illegal fishing and improving the global competitiveness of Thai seafood. The policy, proposed by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, will provide a shared framework for government bodies responsible for fisheries management and development. Capt Dr Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokeswoman, said it responds to changing resource conditions, environmental and economic pressures, and international trade requirements. Targets set for 2027 Thailand's processed fisheries exports, including canned seafood and fresh, chilled and frozen shrimp, generate more than 200 billion baht annually. However, supplies from aquaculture and wild catches have declined, requiring processors to import more raw materials. The sector is also facing climate damage, growing global food demand and international rules on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fisheries subsidies. The Cabinet set seven main targets for 2027: aquatic-resource output should rise by at least 25,000 tonnes a year; fisheries-product growth should reach at least 3%; and fishing should be free of illegal activity, with traceability across the supply chain. It also wants 100% legal compliance by Thai vessels operating outside national waters, a 5% annual increase in net income per person for supported local fishing-community organisations, and at least 95% of products to meet international quality and safety standards without rejection by trading partners. At least 40 fisheries research and technology projects are to be promoted and applied in practice. UN Food and Agriculture Organisation figures cited by the Cabinet showed global fisheries and aquaculture production reached 185.4 million tonnes in 2022. Aquaculture supplied 94.4 million tonnes, or 50.92%, overtaking wild capture at 91 million tonnes, or 49.08%; wild catches have declined over the past decade while aquaculture has grown. Four areas of spending The plan has four strategies and 18 measures. Resource conservation receives 4.69 billion baht for juvenile releases, community hatcheries, artificial reefs, habitat restoration and protection of rare, threatened and native species, with 10 habitats a year managed under an ecosystem-based approach. Sustainable management receives 5.38 billion baht, covering fishing-day allocations, reduced excess capacity, IUU enforcement, international cooperation, community monitoring and removal of illegal gear. It also seeks a 3% rise in catch per unit of effort and regulation of fishing in Songkhla Lake. A further 1.94 billion baht is allocated across five measures to improve competitiveness, including labour-saving vessel technology, alternative energy, recognised aquaculture standards, overseas markets, climate-resilient farms and electronic traceability. Targets include no IUU-related product rejections and five market-ready products annually. Research, technology and innovation receive 753.85 million baht for freshwater, domestic and overseas fisheries, aquaculture and downstream industries. Work includes deep-sea surveys, genetics, feed and disease research, plus Internet of Things and artificial intelligence monitoring and warnings for farms, with at least three innovations sought. Funding and oversight Funding is drawn from agency budgets: 2.24 billion baht for 2023, 2.43 billion for 2024, 2.44 billion for 2025, 2.75 billion for 2026 and 2.90 billion for 2027. No retrospective funding will be sought for 2023-2026; The 2027 requests remain under consideration. The National Fisheries Policy Committee will oversee delivery, with provincial committees and fisheries offices in all 77 provinces coordinating locally. Reviews will take place every two years, followed by a final assessment. Join the discussion? 26 July 2026
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