Marine eco-system in the Gulf at risk of collapse: Greenpeace

[Lite Beer]

Marine eco-system in the Gulf at risk of collapse: Greenpeace
Jeerawut Singharaj
The Nation on Sunday

The Esperanza with its campaign banner

BANGKOK: -- Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are at serious risk of permanently destroying their marine eco-systems, due to over-fishing, pollution and the destruction of environmental habitat, according to Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

"Right now in Southeast Asia, there are fishing operations which are above the capacity of our oceans - especially in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, which are all over-fishing their territorial waters. Too many fishing boats cashing in on too few fish has led to serious over-fishing," Sirasa Kantaratanakul, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, told The Nation.

Greenpeace's ship Esperanza has been in Thai waters since June 15 in preparation for launching its campaign, "Oceans in the Balance: Thailand in Focus". It has already visited Songkhla and Prachuap Khiri Khan and arrived at its last stop - Bangkok's OB Port in Klong Toei, last Thursday.

Before leaving tomorrow for the Philippines, the 72-metre ship will open so people can view a display demonstrating the destructiveness of Thai fishing operations in the Gulf. Walking around the ship, visitors can see how its crew lives on the Esperanza, as well as learn about Thailand's marine life.

On display are videos depicting Thai fishermen using nets with a fine mesh to catch fish - a major cause of the decline in Thailand's fishing stocks. There are also maps providing statistics and indicating areas where over-fishing is rampant. The photos also provide evidence of the different species and sizes of fish being caught, with the smallest, no larger than a little finger.

Using the ship's radar and rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBS), Thai and Southeast Asian Greenpeace activists - as well as Esperanza's international crew - were able to document the massive destruction of commercial-scale fishing by trawlers, bottom trawlers and clam dredgers.

"Thailand's seas are rapidly approaching a danger zone", said Sirasa.

Hundreds of commercial vessels were operating daily in the Gulf and destroying all marine life in their wake. "If this continues, Thai oceans will become barren and lifeless," she said.

One study has estimated that in order for fish numbers to remain sustainable, the catch of demersal (bottom dwelling) fish in the Gulf should not exceed 916,000 to 993,000 metric tonnes. However, current numbers of these fish being caught are much higher. However, the number of fish in a catch has dropped dramatically from 300kg per hour in 1961 to approximately 25kg of fish per hour in 2011.

Bottom trawling - popular in Thailand -uses weighted nets that are dragged along the seafloor, randomly netting all marine life, from the bottom to the top of the net. The method, in addition to destroying vital habitats on the seabed, catches everything in its path - from turtles and sharks to juvenile fish - especially when this method of fishing is used with small mesh-size nets.

"In the next five or ten years if we do not try to fix the situation and protect resources, fish stocks or fish populations will reach below numbers that will no longer be productive," Sirasa said.

But over-fishing is not the only cause of falling fish stocks. Climate change, pollution, waste dumping, natural disasters and tourism had all contributed, she said.

The report "Oceans in the Balance, Thailand in Focus" is an overview of the worsening crisis in Thailand's seas. The report has data about the country's marine ecosystem and the destruction of its fish species, coral reefs, sea grasses and mangroves swamps.

Since its arrival in June, the Esperanza has been working with coastal communities and civil society groups in Songkhla and Prachuap Khiri Khan - calling on the government to support more stringent fishing laws in order to save the Gulf.

Greenpeace wants the government to immediately stop any new commercial boats in Thai waters, and to introduce a programme that will reduce the most destructive commercial fishing methods.

-- The Nation 2013-06-30

[PoodMaiDai]

That just went in one ear and out the other.

Even after the last fish in the sea is caught, if there is still a single baht to be made somewhere they'll invent new ways to mess it all up even more.

[jalansanitwong]

I'm surprised there's a single fish left alive within 2000 miles of the Thai coastline.

Whats its name ?

[bigbamboo]

I'm surprised there's a single fish left alive within 2000 miles of the Thai coastline.

Whats its name ?

Nemo?

[Thai at Heart]

I'm surprised there's a single fish left alive within 2000 miles of the Thai coastline.

Whats its name ?

Blinky

[Payboy]

I'm surprised there's a single fish left alive within 2000 miles of the Thai coastline.

Whats its name ?

Wanda?

[geriatrickid]

What I find more amazing with all the untreated sewage and industrial effluent in the Gulf of Thailand, that people, especially foreigners in the Chonburi-Rayong bulge chow down on the fish, oblivious to the heavy metals and organic chemical concentration in the fish.

[seajae]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

[WhizBang]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

[impulse]

Pretty sad when the only refuge for marine life is right under the oil platforms, where fishing isn't allowed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtrmEaLROsU

[lemoncake]

Hub of self destruction?

[retell]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

long term you mean longer as they are in office ?

saw it between samui and koh phangan with 12 trawlers sweeping everything from coast to coast and back in case 1 or to could escape with netting that looked like sails so fine

my neighbour (local fisherman) told me those dragnet trawlers aren't even allowed in this part of the sea , but guess with the right amount of tea money everything is possible

he had the wonderful idea of making a few hundred concrete blocks with steel hooks all around that will definitely tear their netting to pieces and drop them all around the sea

never heard if he got to do that but the local community of fisherman were very supportive to this idea

[junk1e]

Exactly the same situation in the Andaman sea. Can frequently see thousands of fish fry being sold at markets as anchovies, when in fact they are just fry of what would have grown to far larger fish. The famous Phuket Lobster no longer exists off the coast of Phuket.

[dasboot]

I'm surprised there's a single fish left alive within 2000 miles of the Thai coastline.

Whats its name ?

Wanda?

Lucky

[spidermike007]

I am glad someone is speaking out. The central Thai govt., the Surat Thani govt., nor any other coastal govt. that I am aware of in Thailand is not doing anything to preserve the coastline, nor the water. In Koh Samui it is an abomination how little is being done. The sewage is pumped directly into the sea, without water treatment of any kind. All the reefs have been dead for a decade or two. How can this inane practice continue, unabated? Why? Lack of vision, lack of funding, and extreme indifference. No restrictions are pit o fshing, nor on the human traffickiing associated with the thai fishing industry mafia. The only way most Thais are jilted into action, is through embarrassment. So, go Greenpeace. Embarrass the Thais as much as possible.

[AleG]

Pretty sad when the only refuge for marine life is right under the oil platforms, where fishing isn't allowed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtrmEaLROsU

The diversity, size and quantity of fish there beats many reefs in "protected" marine parks in Thailand. What a sorry state of affairs.

[zaZa9]

... How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it......

There is ONE MAN who could change a lot of this with a few speeches ...

I am forever pondering why he doesnt.

Is it all hidden from him?

[mervyn yap]

Nobody give a sh*t for the future.They just want money NOW.

[spermwhale]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

And who is going to educate them? You think Thais will? From the poor to the rich, the main concern is MONEY and their own personal hygiene (cuz you gotta look good). You see it everywhere. Even in areas next to really nice high-income neighborhoods, you drive down the road and there is trash all along the road. Go to major hotels EVERYWHERE in Thailand and while the main facilities are nice, the filth and trash on the drives into them are horrendous.

It's all superficial here. The hotel looks good while it funnels its guest's feces a 100 meters out from the shore.

Compare Thailand to Costa Rica, about the same latitude, and what a completely different mindset. There 25% of the land is set aside as national wildlife parks, and people don't go about poaching and illegally felling trees. The national parks there are beautiful with few hints of human trespass.

[Just1Voice]

To your average Thai, the "future" means next week. Anything past that is beyond their comprehension. As a result, they are totally ignorant of the fact that their actions today determine their future.

[shunima]

"The method, in addition to destroying vital habitats on the seabed, catches everything in its path - from turtles and sharks to juvenile fish - especially when this method of fishing is used with small mesh-size nets."

That's very conventient for people who eat virtually everything in their path, especially when it can be fried in palm oil.

[Dukeleto]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

Agreed, but they are too busy quarrelling over what's left and probably also don't give a toss like the majority. Unfortunately most of the world is heading in that direction not just Thailand!

[rayw]

Great to have that outfit checking up our local ocean waters, we need more such surveys carried out too as I feel it is very much needed here. Sadly because of the stupid, misguided and greedy "money matters more than anything" attitude here, and in most of this ridiculously extreme capitalist world, our quality of life and the environment suffer very badly (and indeed the have nots suffer very badly under the excessive capitalistic tyranny of the elite). Personally I loathe the current highly destructive and divisive extreme Capitalism (not keen of excessive Socialism either to be honest) and high time we turned to sensible and progressive centre ground Governments which embrace all that is indeed good within Capitalism and Socialism and work for the people as a whole rather than as now and just for the fat caps or control freaks..

Anyway i digress, although it is important in the overall equation.

Bottom line is it will NEVER stop until the authorities firmly enforce controls with massive fines or even imprisonment for breaking these sensible environmental controls. Not only the method and intensity of the fishing but also the blatant ignorant and revolting habit of these fishing vessels just dumping their waste into the sea causing massive pollution and even the disgusting states of our what should otherwise be lovely beaches around the Thai coast. Most countries in Europe, and the USA too, seem to find little problem in using firm enforcement of such environmental laws as I know in the UK it is a very serious offence to pollute and over fish our surrounding seas and culprits are often caught and vigorously prosecuted with massive fines and I believe imprisonment for repeat offenders even.

Oh and I actually believe that many many Thais DO give a sh*t about the environment. Sure those who are forced into poverty by the excessive Capitalism here WILL do anything to make a living of course and that includes flaunting fishing laws just to survive. So some means of ensuring that they can either continue to make a living in fishing (that would mean higher prices for the lower number of fish legally caught - but higher prices will happen anyway in the near future as fish stocks rapidly deplete), or ensure there are other trades they can easily move into in the affected areas where fishing is currently the local industry.

What really MUST NOT happen is for the Thai Government to sit back and do nothing to take control of this serious situation. I love Thailand but I am only a guest here of course and can do very little, but still want to help with what little logical and sensible advice I feel I may be able to give from my admitted low level of knowledge on the subject of fishing and ocean pollution. If it helps just a little for them to be able to focus on these problems, then all our sensible input should to be of some use if the Thai powers that be would just listen, care and seriously think a little more on these and similar issues.

Oh and finally it is NOT just Thailand as many other nations are equally as guilty and maybe a few even more so. So maybe this needs to be a strong UN forceful and enforced policy to bring offending nations (yes including Thailand) into line as it IS a world problem that affects us all and not just a national one

Edited June 30, 2013 by rayw

[Thai at Heart]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

The answer is enforcement of the law.

[dunque]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

The answer is education.

But first you need to have a government that has a long term goal and a vision for the future.

And who is going to educate them? You think Thais will? From the poor to the rich, the main concern is MONEY and their own personal hygiene (cuz you gotta look good). You see it everywhere. Even in areas next to really nice high-income neighborhoods, you drive down the road and there is trash all along the road. Go to major hotels EVERYWHERE in Thailand and while the main facilities are nice, the filth and trash on the drives into them are horrendous.

It's all superficial here. The hotel looks good while it funnels its guest's feces a 100 meters out from the shore.

Compare Thailand to Costa Rica, about the same latitude, and what a completely different mindset. There 25% of the land is set aside as national wildlife parks, and people don't go about poaching and illegally felling trees. The national parks there are beautiful with few hints of human trespass.

How quickly this has degenerated into thai-bashing. It is almost like a lot of you are seeing the same therapist who has prescribed this as a cure for for your sad lives.

Great click-bait for TV but a depressing display of naked racism. Really, why do you all live here? Is it some form of self-flagellation?

[kannot]

... How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it......

There is ONE MAN who could change a lot of this with a few speeches ...

I am forever pondering why he doesnt.

Is it all hidden from him?

No comment..................therein lies the problem you see.

[elcaro]

Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

― Cree Indian Prophecy

[daveyravey]

Although I don't live near the ocean I am a keen diver and im saddened when I see Thai's just flick cigarette butts and rubbish into the sea.

Education is the way forward and this must come from the elders of the village first or the province or the country. Unfortunately it seems the elders

don't give a shit!

[thaimlord]

... How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it......

There is ONE MAN who could change a lot of this with a few speeches ...

I am forever pondering why he doesnt.

Is it all hidden from him?

I too have often wondered why. It would be so easy.

An instant change in the habits of millions of Thais.

TL

[MaxYakov]

why bother, the thai people do not give a shit about their own country, all that matters is money. Just look at the filth and crap all over the place, they have no respect for anything. This is so disheartening, it is a beautiful country but the people just dont care about it. How do you teach people to respect their own country when they are lazy and too proud to do the right thing, it is easier to throw your rubbish in the street than it is to bin it. They really nned a clean up Thailand day but no one would attend because it would mean working and that would cause too many to loose face, pathetic......

One day I pointed at a styrafoam food container that a tuk-tuk operator had just thrown directly into a storm drain opening from his sitting position in the tuk-tuk. He said to me: No problem! Nobody see!