Fishing Department Clears Tool Rules for Invasive Fish Control

The Department of Fisheries has issued guidelines categorizing fishing tools for controlling the lionfish, dividing them into three groups: traditional tools allowed without special permission, tools requiring exemptions, and equipment that remains strictly prohibited. Deputy Director Praset Sorakhod said the guidelines were created to clarify legal practice and ensure all stakeholders understand the rules consistently, addressing previous complications from unclear regulations.

The first group includes immediately permitted tools such as fishing rods, nets, gill nets, traps, and non-motorized seine nets, provided they do not harm other aquatic species and are not used during freshwater spawning seasons. The second group covers normally illegal or restricted tools that may be permitted under exemptions requested by provincial fishery offices with approval from provincial fishing committees, specifying equipment type, vessel size, methods, and operating areas. Tools in this group may include electrofishing and large nets, though electrofishing remains absolutely prohibited for public use and may only be conducted by department officials with strict oversight.

The third group—including collapsible traps and certain net designs—remains permanently banned because they are ineffective against lionfish while causing ecological damage. Provincial fishery offices using tea residue as a fish repellent or large-scale nets must have designated department officers directly supervise operations to prevent environmental harm.