Department Of Fisheries Closes Off Gulf Of Thailand

[Jai Dee]

Department of Fisheries closes off Gulf of Thailand

The Department of Fisheries has declared the Gulf of Thailand off limits to fishermen until May 15th of this year after studies found that the period is a prime time for egg laying season for fish. The department found that fishing in the past during this time of year has heavily bogged down the sea life population, and has projected that it may have long term negative affects on fishing in the gulf which spans provinces such as Prachuab-Kirikan, Chumporn and Surat Thani.

The department has set regulations for use of the gulf restricting any fishing activity to the use of 16 meter or less nets that can be trawled in shallow water during the night.

Nonetheless, officials in the department have admitted that they have no real mechanism to enforce the restrictions. They have asked that locals realize the impact of fishing during the coming months and the potential for major repercussions to their source of income.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 March 2008

[plachon]

Bit like trying to enforce a drinking ban in Bangkok fror a few months then.............without the BiB around.

Up where I used to live, some of the Fishery officials operated some of the largest and most destructive nets on the river. The small guys often got clobbered, while the big guys got away scot free. Mee sen, I guess.

[Galong]

Why do they even bother to come out with laws if they're not going to enforce them? Don't they realize how stupid or weak they are for doing this?

Be honest: OK, fishermen, we'd appreciate it if you didn't fish now, but you can do it if you really want to.

[naka]

Why do they even bother to come out with laws if they're not going to enforce them? Don't they realize how stupid or weak they are for doing this?

Be honest: OK, fishermen, we'd appreciate it if you didn't fish now, but you can do it if you really want to.

It would seem they don't.

Naka.

[jaidam]

Im out there offshore fishing often -most days- and since 15th Feb there is a dramatic cut in the number of boats out at sea generally. Squid trap boats still going about their business and have seen a few trawlers with the nets on board heading elsewhere. I think the ban works well, as it has done for the past few years. It must be difficult for a boat to leave port equipped for a trawling job without being reported by others.

[astral]

I think the ban works well, as it has done for the past few years. It must be difficult for a boat to leave port equipped for a trawling job without being reported by others.

As I read the initial post I was given the idea that this was new initiative.

Well, hello, the fish have to spawn and need a rest.

How long has it taken to come up with that idea..

Your comment places a whole different spin on the story.

Perhaps the Department official needs some lessons in PR??