Fishing Operations In Some Thai Ports To Be Suspended

[Jai Dee]

MOA calls for suspension of fishing operations in some ports

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives reports suspension of fishing operations in some ports in order to promote propagation of marine species.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Theera Suthabuth (ธีระ สูตะบุตร), reports that his ministry has issued a notice that some ports would be closed off to fishing operations for a 3 month period from February 15-May 15 in to allow marine species to lay their eggs. Mr. Theera said that the move would also give Tuna populations an opportunity to recovery from fishing operations. Fishing ports in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumporn, and Suratthani provinces would be affected by the measure.

The Minister of Agriculture said that fishing operations found to be catching marine species during the egg laying season would face a fine of 5,000-10,000 baht under Article 45. Some fishing nets banned from usage during the egg laying season includes purse nets and trawler nets.

Mr. Theera added that after the fishing operation suspension ended fishermen would be able to catch 1-2 times more fish, or an added value of 1 billion baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

[womble]

I was in the market the other day and there were lobsters holding their eggs for sale and worse still clumps of fish eggs for sale. Education is needed so that they realise the effect this has on their future fishing operations. Each year the fisherman catch less and less fish, but still they continue to fish in ways that are detrimental to their own incomes.

The USA has proven that many species can recover in a much shorter time than first expected if areas are closed or certain fishing methods banned. The purse seine nets catch all the fry and smaller bait fish which many of the larger fish feed on, without these species present many of the larger pelagics will not be around eigher. No bait fish = no tuna, simple.

We need to understand that these guys are just making a living, but they need to be educated that their own incomes will increase if they follow sensible and more sustainable fishing practises.

Putting back fish which are holding eggs instead of selling them at a slightly higher price will in a season or two bring them a better catch of fish, fully grown fish get a much higher price at market.

[Scott]

And all of this is enforced by the same police that enforce helmet laws, right?

[jaidam]

Don't really understand why this is news. It happens every year from Feb - May, to allow the plaa thu to spawn. Amazingly the ban is observed by the vast majority of fishing boats with the predictable exception of the fleets owned by somebody special.

[jimbabe]

Don't really understand why this is news. It happens every year from Feb - May, to allow the plaa thu to spawn. Amazingly the ban is observed by the vast majority of fishing boats with the predictable exception of the fleets owned by somebody special.

Im the pacific noothwest of the US commercial salmon fishing was killed dead by faulty government management. We also had some "special people" who were allowed to net the very spawning places of the salmon. The gubberment also sold eggs to other countries, allowing them to raise their own and ruined our prices. 3 monthsl nothing

[sbk]

MOA calls for suspension of fishing operations in some ports

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives reports suspension of fishing operations in some ports in order to promote propagation of marine species.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Theera Suthabuth (ธีระ สูตะบุตร), reports that his ministry has issued a notice that some ports would be closed off to fishing operations for a 3 month period from February 15-May 15 in to allow marine species to lay their eggs. Mr. Theera said that the move would also give Tuna populations an opportunity to recovery from fishing operations. Fishing ports in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumporn, and Suratthani provinces would be affected by the measure.

The Minister of Agriculture said that fishing operations found to be catching marine species during the egg laying season would face a fine of 5,000-10,000 baht under Article 45. Some fishing nets banned from usage during the egg laying season includes purse nets and trawler nets.

Mr. Theera added that after the fishing operation suspension ended fishermen would be able to catch 1-2 times more fish, or an added value of 1 billion baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

Too bad they don't stop them from fishing illegally off the reefs the rest of the year as well

[Jai Dee]

Gulf of Thailand in three provinces will be temporarily sealed off

Department of Fisheries announced to seal off the Gulf of Thailand in three provinces for three months to conserve marine animals.

Fisheries Official in Chumporn Province Phinyo Thaithaworn (ภิญโญ ไทยถาวร) revealed that from February 15 to May 15 of every year, the Gulf of Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Suratthani provinces will be closed. This three-month period is when economic marine animals, especially mackerel, lay their eggs. The Gulf of Thailand which will be closed covers an area of 26,400 square kilometers.

Mr Phinyo said further that the Gulf closure ceremony will take place at 11.00 a.m. at the Chumporn Fishing Boat Pier, Tambon Paknam (ปากน้ำ), Muang District, Chumporn Province. The ceremony will be attended by local fishermen, private organizations, and relevant government offices.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 Febuary 2007

[Mai Krap]

To little to late, more total BS concerning this matter. Any idiot can see this is not enough, Commercial fishing intrests will not be happy till the last damm minnow gets netted up!