Review of Thai Laws in Relation to Trawl Fisheries, Bycatch Management Project “Strategies for Trawl Fisheries Bycatch Management”

Abstract

Thailand: “A review of Thai Laws in Relation to Trawl Fisheries, Bycatch Management,” this study is a part of the project “Strategies for Trawl Fisheries Bycatch Management” (REBYC-II CTI; GCP/RAS/269/GFF). It aims to better understand the problems and obstacles of the laws and administration of trawl fisheries especially for bycatch management and for sustainability of fisheries in Thailand. Current domestic regulations that apply to trawl fisheries, bycatch management are set forth in four important laws: (1) the Fisheries Act B.E. 2490 (1947), (2) Thai Vessels Act B.E.2481 (1938), (3) the Draft Fisheries Bill, and (4) Legal and regulatory framework at two project sites. This study found gaps and practical weaknesses in the legal and regulatory framework for trawl fisheries. Four issues were identified as follows: (i) problem of inconsistencies with policies and the practice of government, (ii) problem of decentralized fisheries management and the participation of the community, (iii) problems with law enforcement, arrests, and legal loopholes, and (iv) problems in controlling the number of trawl and push net vessels and vessel registration, and subrogation of fishing gear registration. The study proposes to revise the laws to address the issue of each gap and weakness. To improve enforcement of the law in order to reduce bycatch, it is essential that legal measures be used in conjunction with community-based fishery management approaches, combined with research data in each area to effectively support issuing of various legal measures.