Thammanat Approves Third Phase of Fishing Vessel Deregulation Targeting 668 Vessels

Bangkok: The National Fisheries Commission (NFC) has approved the third phase of removing fishing vessels from the system, targeting 668 vessels. Captain Thamanat Phromphao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized the need for all units to proceed swiftly to enhance the potential of Thai fisheries and ensure sustainable support for fishermen. According to Thai News Agency, Captain Thamanat chaired the first meeting of the National Fisheries Policy Committee in 2026, where the project to remove fishing vessels from the system for sustainable marine fisheries resource management was approved. This initiative aims to balance fleet management with marine fisheries resources and alleviate the hardships faced by fishermen by removing 668 fishing vessels. Progress has been made on the project to remove fishing vessels from the system, specifically for the group of 923 vessels outlined in the Cabinet resolution of March 3, 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, th rough the Department of Fisheries and in collaboration with related agencies, has already approved and provided compensation for 767 vessels. Furthermore, the meeting approved the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2026 fishing year, which includes bottom-dwelling fish, surface fish, anchovies, and sea cucumbers in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This approval will enable the Department of Fisheries to allocate the catch to both artisanal and commercial fishing vessels, with the fishing year set to begin on April 1, 2026. The TAC rate is determined based on the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) principle, utilizing scientific evidence to ensure that fishing practices are sustainable in the long term. Additionally, the meeting approved a draft announcement regarding the mesh size of the cod end of trawl nets, with the Department of Fisheries tasked to review regulations and proceed with necessary steps. Captain Thamanat reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to advancing fisheries policies, including laws, operational measures, and programs to assist fishermen. He instructed all agencies to maximize their efforts to enhance the Thai fisheries sector and deliver sustainable benefits for fishermen.