Fishermen are demanding more say in the country’s fishery policies ahead of a draft amendment of the Fishery Act.
Sama-ae Jae Mudor, chairman of Fisherfolk Assembly of Thailand (FAT), said the amendment, which will replace the 1947 Fishery Act, should give local fishermen a greater role in managing marine resources.
Speaking at a seminar at the Fisheries Department on Wednesday, Mr Sama-ae said more small-scale fishermen representatives should be appointed to the national and provincial fishery committees.
These committees issue regulations that affect more than 57,000 fishermen and their families, he said, adding that fishermen deserve a louder voice.
The draft amendment should also expand the coastal fishery zone from 3-5km from the shoreline, Mr Sama-ae said.
Large, commercial trawlers are currently banned from entering the 3km coastal zone, which is reserved for small-scale fishermen only.
Other Asean countries have expanded their designated coastal zones to 5km already, Mr Sama-ae said.
“Local fishermen have played a significant role in protecting and preserving the marine resources,” he said.
“Our role has been widely recognised by … the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, which clearly states that local fishermen play a key role in preserving the marine ecological system.”
The FAT proposed its changes to the Fishery Act after the Fisheries Department announced its planned amendment. The opposition Democrats have also proposed their own changes.
The draft bills are being scrutinised by a House committee.
Fisheries Department chief Wimol Jantrarotai insisted that the 3km coastal fishery zone is the most appropriate.
In response to FAT’s call for more participation, Mr Wimol said fishermen will become more involved in marine resources management.
Under the department’s master marine resources management plan, which is being drafted, state authorities and local fishermen will work closely together on preserving marine resources, he said.
The fishing industry employs around 2 million people and contributes about 8% of the country’s GDP. The industry in 2011 was worth 270 billion baht _ the highest level in 15 years, according to the department.Thais consume on average 31kg of seafood each a year, which is nearly twice the global per person average.
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