The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO”) and the Department of Fisheries, Thailand have signed the Letter of Agreement (LOA) for the execution of the GEF supported project “Strategies for trawl fisheries by‐catch management” (REBYC‐II CTI; GCP/RAS/269/GFF) which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Food and Agriculture Organization, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center are implementing the project. Which works with the five participating countries (Indonesia, Papau New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam). Under the project work plan for Thailand, the Department of Fisheries, Marine Fisheries Research and Development Bureau is implementing the project at two sites; Prachuab Kiri Khan and Chumphon. The Central Gulf Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (CMDEC), located in Chumphon is taking the lead in research into trawl fisheries and enlarged cod‐end mesh size experiments. The second site in Trad province, is being used to pilot management measures for closed areas and closed seasons, to protect fish larvae and spawners. The Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development (EMDEC), located in Rayong province is taking the lead for this research work. Research at both project sites involves the participation of stakeholder and the DOF actively seeks cooperation between officials and stakeholders, in data sharing, analysis & presenting results for improved understanding between fishers and officials. Thailand’s new ‘Marine Fisheries Management and Fisheries Act 2015’ was brought into force in on 27th June 2015. This was the first significant change in Thailand’s fishery laws since 1947. The new fishery law is essential knowledge for those researchers, enforcement persons, fishers, and the private sector.

Mala Supongpan. (2015). The Meeting on Marine Fisheries Management and Fisheries Acts 2015 related to Trawl fisheries and Bycatch Management. Training Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.