Ban aims to boost mackerel stocks

The Division of Fisheries will close the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand for three a few months from large-scale industrial fishing this 30 days, after finding a similar closure last year resulted in a 63% embrace mackerel in the area.

Chalermchai Suwanrak, chief of the department, revealed that the closure will ban large-scale fishing in the main section of the Gulf of mexico of Thailand within Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces.

The plan is part of the department’s marine resources administration to allow time meant for mackerel to breed of dog and nurture their own young. The statement was endorsed from the department on January 31.

The area will also be closed for a second stint later this year.

The first period will run through Feb 15 in order to May 15, when a ban will be imposed on fishing gear that can potentially harm larvae and fully developed fish which are ready to reproduce. Fishermen that use light plus non-destructive fishing equipment will not be affected by the ban.

The second period may run from May 16 to June 14, with considerable fishing to be prohibited from Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park in Muang district to Hua Hin district associated with Prachuap Kiri Khan province.

The measure has proved to be effective in boosting mackerel and other small commercial fish stocks in the Gulf of mexico of Thailand, stated Mr Chalermchai.

According to the department, 31. 9 tonnes of mackerel really worth 2 . 1 billion dollars baht were arrived last year, an increase associated with 63. 28% through the 19. 5 tonnes of mackerel caught in 2021.

Mr Chalermchai said the amount of mackerel landed highlighted the significance of closing the sea in order to rehabilitate and bring back stocks and ensure sustainable fishery practices.

“However, the follow-up survey performed in 2021-2022 showed that mature mackerel of a reproductive age were found mainly from Feb 1-14, which is shortly prior to the sea was shut, ” he said. He urged anglers to comply with the rules.