Trang cautions commercial fishermen to avoid banned areas
The Trang Fisheries Office on Monday warned fishermen to adhere to the regulation issued by the Department of Fisheries, under which Andaman Bay is temporarily closed to commercial fishing for three months, adding that anyone found violating the order would face a fine worth between Bt5,000 and Bt30 million.
Fines are calculated on boat size or the catch money multiplied five times, whichever is higher).
The annual break, prohibiting commercial fishing activities in the Andaman Sea off Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang from April 1 - June 30, allows spawning and rehabilitation of marine resource and preserves the natural balance and ecosystem.
The regulation however allows local fishermen, using low-efficiency traditional fishing tools, to fish in the area within three nautical miles from shore, so as to minimize impact on livelihoods.
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