The Department of Fisheries said the restrictions – which cover net-mesh size, fishing methods and sea conditions – have been put in place for the Andaman spawning season. The spawning season peaks in May with an average density of 690 fish per 10 square metres.

Statistics show the restrictions have been successful, with the annual catch in the lower Andaman steadily increasing from 207,236 tonnes in 2017 to 290,035 tonnes in 2020, said the department. Moreover, regulations covering the mesh size of shrimp and crab nets have also protected seafood stocks by restricting the number of undersized animals being caught.

The fishing ban covers an area of ​​5,000sqkm, spanning Cape Panwa in Phuket province to Laem Yong Star in Trang province.

Andaman Sea ‘closed’ for 3 months of spawning season

Annual fishing restrictions have been imposed off Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang on the Andaman coast from April 1 to June 30 to allow stocks to recover.