August 2, 2010

Thailand seeks Middle East's fish stocks

A delegation from Thailand's Department of Fisheries is on its way to the Middle East to look at the potential for Thai fishing vessels to access the region's fish stocks.

Led by Secretary General Dr. Somying Piumsonbun, the group plans to propose to Middle East countries bordering the Arabian (Persian) Gulf and the Red Sea that Thai fishing vessels be allowed to fish in those waters.

Over the last 10 years, Thailand's annual wild fisheries production has dropped significantly from 2.7 million tonnes to 2.1 million tonnes. The country has one of the world's largest fishing fleets, with 1,000 vessels operating in international waters.

But, according to Somying, Thailand must also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. She also called for greater cooperation on best practices with existing partners such as Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), India and Indonesia.

This would involve Thailand updating these countries on regulations on the use of acceptable fishing methods, vessel monitoring systems and illegal fishing issues, she said.

Thailand's target is to increase its overseas wild fisheries production to 1.5 million tonnes by 2013, with Saudi Arabia and Eritrea being two of the countries seen as potential partners.