Fishermen are demanding more say in the country’s fishery policies ahead of a draft amendment of the Fishery Act.<\/p>\n
Sama-ae Jae Mudor, chairman of Fisherfolk Assembly of Thailand (FAT), said the amendment, which will replace the 1947 Fishery Act, should give local fishermen a greater role in managing marine resources.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a seminar at the Fisheries Department on Wednesday, Mr Sama-ae said more small-scale fishermen representatives should be appointed to the national and provincial fishery committees.<\/p>\n
These committees issue regulations that affect more than 57,000 fishermen and their families, he said, adding that fishermen deserve a louder voice.<\/p>\n
The draft amendment should also expand the coastal fishery zone from 3-5km from the shoreline, Mr Sama-ae said.<\/p>\n
Large, commercial trawlers are currently banned from entering the 3km coastal zone, which is reserved for small-scale fishermen only.<\/p>\n
Other Asean countries have expanded their designated coastal zones to 5km already, Mr Sama-ae said.<\/p>\n
“Local fishermen have played a significant role in protecting and preserving the marine resources,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Our role has been widely recognised by … the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, which clearly states that local fishermen play a key role in preserving the marine ecological system.”<\/p>\n
The FAT proposed its changes to the Fishery Act after the Fisheries Department announced its planned amendment. The opposition Democrats have also proposed their own changes.<\/p>\n
The draft bills are being scrutinised by a House committee.<\/p>\n
Fisheries Department chief Wimol Jantrarotai insisted that the 3km coastal fishery zone is the most appropriate.<\/p>\n
In response to FAT’s call for more participation, Mr Wimol said fishermen will become more involved in marine resources management.<\/p>\n
Under the department’s master marine resources management plan, which is being drafted, state authorities and local fishermen will work closely together on preserving marine resources, he said.<\/p>\n
The fishing industry employs around 2 million people and contributes about 8% of the country’s GDP. The industry in 2011 was worth 270 billion baht _ the highest level in 15 years, according to the department.Thais consume on average 31kg of seafood each a year, which is nearly twice the global per person average.<\/p>\n
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