Cambodian trawlers selling fish at three major ports in Trat province used to be a common sight, but strict regulations against unregistered vessels and fishing equipment being imposed for the second day on Thursday have scared those vessels away from coastal ports.
No fishing vessels flying the Cambodian flag from Koh Kong province have been seen entering Kalapangha, Chalachai and Ban Khlong Makham ports in Hat Lek sub-district of Khlong Yai district in Trat over the past few days as they did not meet fishing requirements, said a source.
The absence of the Cambodian fishing vessels -- usually numbering about 10 -- has affected fish vendors who now have no species of fish demanded by their customers.
About 800 boats owned by local fishermen remained tied up at the three ports in Khlong Yai district for the second day due to the strict restrictions.
The boats were moored because they either had no licence or were equipped with illegal fishing gear. If they went to sea they would face big fines, starting at 100,000 baht.
The atmosphere at Khlongyai municipal fresh market was grim as only a few species of fish and other sea creatures were available. On display were some shrimp, squid and fish caught by small vessels.
Operators of seafood restaurants in the province say their fish stocks could be depleted in one or two days. If large trawlers remain tied up in port, they may have to close their restaurants.
A few vendors are able to sell some fish and other seafood products as normal at a market in Trat on Thursday, though many fishing vessels remain moored. (Photo by Jakkrit Waewkraihong)
In Yala, prices of fish and seafood products being sold at Pimolchai market in Muang municipality, the biggest seafood market in this southern border province, have not been adjusted.
Many residents were seen buying seafood products at the market as normal.
Russawaida Torlaema, a fish vendor, said she bought her supplies from a pier in neighbouring Pattani province. However, she expressed concern over moves by fishing trawlers in Pattani to stop going out to sea on Friday as they feared of being arrested and being forced to pay huge fines.
She said she and other fish vendors will have no fish to sell if those vessels stay tied up at coastal piers. The price of what fish is available will skyrocket, she added.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed to take legal action against operators of illegal fishing vessels.
Gen Prayut was responding to calls by fishing operators for the government to defer the enforcement of measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Boat operators say they will stop fishing for two months, while they upgrade their vessels and gear.
However, Gen Prayut said the Command Centre for Combating Illegal Fishing (CCCIF) had given fishing boat operators a warning a long time ago, and they must bring their vessels and gear up to standard and register them.