The Department of Fisheries says an increase in mackerel stocks in the Gulf of Thailand over last three years is proof the country is on the right track in managing marine resources as demanded by the European Union (EU).
Adisorn Promthep, chief of the Department of Fisheries, said Thursday the department announced a ban on some trawlers and fishing gear in the middle part of the Gulf, spanning Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces, from Feb 15-May 15.
The ban covered an area of 26,400 square kilometres and was imposed during the mackerel's egg laying season. Mackerel are found mainly in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park in Surat Thani province.
Surveys by sonar had found around three tonnes of adult mackerel and 10 tonnes of baby mackerel, a big increase on before the ban was imposed.
"This is the first time we have surveyed the mackerel since the ban. The population has increased based on what our surveys show, and what local fishermen tell us. This is all thanks to tougher regulations and cooperation from fishermen," he said.
"It is an indicator of marine resources management which the EU might take into account when considering our performance in preventing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing [IUU]," he said.
The EU has warned it might ban imports of Thai seafood if it does not address problems with IUU, including use of illegal fishing labour and improper treatment of workers, together with destructive fishing gear.
Representatives from EU will visit the country in July to pursue the matter. The department says much progress has been made, including a Vessel Monitoring System, Port-In/ Port-Out reporting and on-board surveillance.
The department has imposed stronger measures than in the past three years by banning use of sonic tools and sunken nets to catch the mackerel, as it found the number of mackerel was still falling even during the conservation period.
Mr Adisorn added officials will impose a fishing tool ban in the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand from Phetchaburi to Chon Buri province by next month to preserve mackerel over an area of 4,940 square kilometres. Normally the period of conservation is two months, but for this year, officials would extend it to four months.
Under the plan, a fishing tool ban would be imposed for two months from Phetchaburi to Samut Prakan province in June and July and the other two months for Chachoengsao to Chon Buri province in August and September. Talks are still under way with local fishermen on the details.
He said the department wants to ensure the adult mackerel population is big enough for breeding and boost sustainable marine resource development. Annually, about 100,000 tonnes of mackerel are caught, he said. The net must have a diameter of at least 5cm.
Earlier, NGOs were concerned local mackerel stocks could run out as fishermen netted to many baby fish.