Small fishermen lending a hand

Small fishermen lending a hand

Seafood is still available albeit at higher prices at Thale Thai Market in Samut Sakhon on July 3, 2015. (Photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)
Seafood is still available albeit at higher prices at Thale Thai Market in Samut Sakhon on July 3, 2015. (Photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)

SONGKHLA — A network of small fishermen have joined hands to sell seafood directly to consumers at fair prices to help ease shortages.

The Federation of Thailand Fisherfolk Association, which groups 5,000 small fishermen from 30 networks, issued a statement late on Friday.

Consumers in Bangkok can order seafood from the group by calling Kon Jub Pla shop (Tel: 098-921-1284) and the Organic Folk Fishing Project (Tel. 090-004-2401), the statement said.

The seafood available for sale is limited to seasonal products and cannot be resold to ground-fish or animal-feed manufacturers.

"The project aims to help consumers and small operators," the statement said.

Many fishing-boat operators are docking their vessels after failing to comply with a set of new rules imposed by the government. The rules aim to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and ensures Thailand comply with international standards.

The European Union, the largest importer of Thai seafood products, earlier this year warned it would no longer import from the country unless authorities do more to improve the situation. 

Earlier on Friday, the group issued another statement supporting the government's move.

"After all, the rules have been relaxed for large fishing groups for almost 30 years. It's time the government eliminated trawlers, push nets and electrofishing from the Gulf of Thailand.

"We are convinced if we end these fishing methods, Thai seafood will be safer and of better quality. Consumers can buy it at cheaper prices and the quantities of mature animals will increase. With some extra measures, Thailand can solve the problem about exports to the EU at the same time," it said.

In Bangkok, consumers are starting to feel the pinch from limited seafood supplies.

At a fresh market in front of Suan Laung Rama IX Park in eastern Bangkok, seafood is still available but in smaller quantities.

"Previously, seafood here was more expensive but of better quality. Now, it's not as good but the prices are the same. I guess it's because the prices here are already higher than elsewhere even when there were no shortages," said Jiab, a regular customer.

The Federation of Thailand Fisherfolk Association holds a press conference to support the government's touch action on their larger counterparts on July 3, 2015. (Photo by Vichayant Boochote)

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