Cabinet Approves Five-Year Fishing Plan to Combat Illegal Fishing
Thailand's cabinet approved a five-year fisheries management plan targeting illegal fishing elimination and aquatic resource restoration while boosting the fishing industry's global competitiveness and food security.
The cabinet has approved Thailand's 2566-2570 (2023-2027) fisheries management policy and plan, establishing a comprehensive framework to develop the entire Thai fishing sector. The plan targets the restoration of aquatic resources, elimination of illegal fishing practices, advancement of fisher and operator capabilities, and increased competitiveness of the Thai fishing industry to ensure food security and sustainable resource use.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Pattharadarsami Tongsluaikorn announced that the cabinet approved the fisheries management policy and plan proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. This five-year framework will guide Thailand's fisheries management and development in alignment with resource conditions, economic factors, environmental concerns, and international trade regulations, while promoting balanced and sustainable growth in the fishing sector.
The spokesperson noted that Thailand's fishing sector is crucial to national food security and economic stability, yet faces significant challenges including declining aquatic resources, climate change impacts, illegal fishing (IUU Fishing), and international trade standards. The government established this policy and plan to direct comprehensive development of the entire fishing system—from resource conservation and fishing management to aquaculture and downstream industry development.
The plan operates through four strategies and 18 tactical approaches covering aquatic resource conservation and ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries resource management, enhancement of fisher and operator capabilities, product standard development, technology and innovation promotion, and value-addition to fishing products. These measures aim to strengthen Thailand's fishing industry competitiveness in global markets.
Deputy Spokesperson Pattharadarsami stated that approval of this policy will serve as a critical mechanism to balance resource utilization and conservation while improving fishers' quality of life, increasing fishing industry value, and building international confidence in Thai fishing products. The sector is positioned to become a sustained driver of Thailand's economic growth.
