The results of research work were presented (experiments on trawl mesh size; social economic studies and issues relating to the new Thai Fisheries Act 2015) to the participants of the meeting. Mr. Suchart Sangchan (researcher) introduced results of the research work on trawl codend mesh size of 4.0 cm for otter board and pair trawlers. It was noted that the neighboring countries applied similar type of measures; 4.0 cm in Brunei, 5.0 cm in Indonesia and 5.0 cm in Myanmar. The meeting gathered ideas and comments from participants and the results of the discussion will be sent further to the DOF Conservation Committee for consideration in formulating mesh size regulations at the next Conservation Committee Meeting in Bangkok. Mr. Patanapong Choosang (lawyer) explained that the Fisheries Act 1947 did not limit trawl mesh size. It only has a notification issued by the Minister to prohibit trawl fisheries in the coastal zone, and no fishing during area and season closures. In 1986 the DOF brought in controls for the registration of trawler and push netters. Trawl fishers had to register for the year 1986 at their local fishery government agency. Since then there has been no improvement or adaptation of the existed registration, except to transfer, through inheritance, and cancelation in case of non‐registration continuation. In 1986 there were in total of 9,772 trawlers registered, in 2014 the number of registered boats were 3,050, and in 2015 the total number is 2,798. Those trawler owners who have already registered their boat, have to request for a fishing gear license by 31 July 2015.

Supongpan, M., & Petgamnerd, J. (2015). Joint Local Meeting with Chumphon Province on “Trawl Fisheries and bycatch management”. Training Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.