Local Fishermen Help Catch Illegal Seine Net Trawlers Off Lanta

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Local fishermen help police arrest illegal trawler

Fishing has been the occupation of local villagers along the Andaman coast for generations. However, marine fishery resources have dramatically dropped due to seine trawlers, which illegally catch fish in banned areas, 3,000 metres from shore. We have more details in this report from Thai News Agency.

It took seven days for local fishermen to stop a seine trawler, which encroached into banned areas, off Lanta island in Krabi. Ten small fishing vessels surrounded the trawler to prevent it from fleeing before police arrived.

Local fishermen at Ban Khao Poo in Krabi wake up early in the morning to set their fishing nets or fish traps. They have been working as such for decades and they are now facing difficulty as the number of fish, crabs, shrimps, and clams has decreased because trawlers have illegally entered the area close to shore. Bang-tor ?????? a fisherman who was born and lives in Ban Koh Poo said local fishermen encountered trawlers which sometimes used gunfire to threaten the locals, but they had to fight otherwise they would lose their fish and fishing gear.

Bangtor Klongyuan Ban Koh Poo fisherman said “Officials told us to check whether a trawler was still in the banned area and to block the trawler from leaving. Our boats are small, you see? How can we stop the trawler? We were attacked by them. They shot at us, almost all of us.”

Although, authorities have banned seine net fishing 3,000 metres from shore as well as fishing during the two month spawning season, some trawler operators still violate the rules.

According to the Federation of Southern Fisherfolk, the violation by trawlers not only affects local fishermen but also marine life such as coral, which is an attraction for tourists.

“The sea doesn’t belong to only the local fishermen, but it’s our treasure, for all of us. It’s our responsibility to protect it. In Krabi, the sea is important to all sectors. Fishing associations, hotels, tour agencies and the Chamber of Commerce have to lend a hand in marine conservation.” said Ari Danam Advisor, Federation of Southern Fisherfolk.

The local fishermen are working together to prevent the travelers from intruding, even though their lives could be at risk. They do so to protect marine resources which are their source of income, and the environment as they can’t rely on the authorities.

Source: MCOT TNA English News