SAMUT PRAKAN, 13 March 2015 – The Upper Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center has revealed that marine lives the Gulf of Thailand have increased since the introduction of a new restriction period last year.
Marine Fishery Research and Development Bureau Director Manoj Rungratri said the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has mandated that certain fishing tools must not be used in the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand.
The prohibition is intended to protect juvenile marine lives off the coasts of Phetchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chonburi from June to July for a period of three years beginning from the date of announcement.
The rule has been enforced since last year and will expire in 2016. The move is aimed at allowing marine animals to breed and grow during this period, especially mackerels which are commercially valuable fish to Thai economy.
According to a survey by the Upper Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center, the number of marine lives as well as their size has increased. More fishermen have been satisfied with the results and complying with the regulations.
