Surat Thani Fisheries Deploys Air Boats Against Illegal Cockle Harvesting
Surat Thani Fisheries deployed air boats to patrol Ban Poht Bay in Don Sak District on July 9 to stop illegal cockle harvesting during spawning season, when the activity attracts fishermen earning 2,000-3,000 baht daily.
The Surat Thani Provincial Fisheries Office deployed air boats on July 9, 2026 to patrol Ban Poht Bay in Don Sak District and prevent illegal fishing and unauthorized cockle harvesting. Deputy Director Nathapol Sinpulpon led provincial fisheries officers in patrolling the area during the natural cockle spawning season to detect and stop violations involving prohibited fishing equipment. The abundance of wild cockles during this period attracts substantial illegal harvesting activity.
Nathapol noted that the current season brings an influx of cockles, drawing numerous local fishermen who collect and sell cockles to traders for aquaculture. Local fishermen typically earn 2,000-3,000 baht daily from cockle sales, encouraging both residents and outsiders to harvest from natural cockle beds as an income source.
In response, the Surat Thani Fisheries Office deployed air boat patrol units to monitor Ban Poht Bay. The office has coordinated with the Don Sak District Officer, district fisheries officials, community leaders, and related agencies to conduct ongoing surveillance and prevent further illegal fishing and unauthorized cockle dredging in the natural cockle grounds.
