National report of preliminary investigation to estimate the abandon, lost, and discard gillnet and trap (pots) along the coast of Thailand (Phang Nga and Krabi province)

Abstract

Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) is widely recognized as a significant component of marine litter and has serious impacts on habitats, fish stocks, and other marine species. The Southeast Asian regional concern on marine debris including ALDFG has been raised in SEAFDEC Meetings. Therefore, SEAFDEC Training Department conducted a preliminary investigation to estimate the loss of gillnet and traps (pots) along the Coast of Thailand with support from FAO. One hundred and sixty (160) questionnaires were collected from 3 surveys conducted in Phang Nga and Krabi Province, Andaman Sea, Thailand. Results show that the estimated total trap loss is 5,154 traps/year with an associated economic loss of 64,805.08 USD/year. The estimated loss of gillnets is 458.50 units/year with an estimated associated economic loss of 13,467.14 USD/year. The main cause of the gillnet loss is nets becoming snagged on an obstruction, and the main cause of the trap (pot) loss is conflict with other gears. Researchers recommend expanding the survey to all coastal provinces of Thailand, both in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, and applying it to both small-scale and commercial-scale fisheries. The result could provide guidance for the development of management actions to reduce levels of ALDFG in the future.