Options for Innovation and Improvement of Currently Used Fishing Technologies and Operations in Thailand to Attain Sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability of fishing operations is a growing concern worldwide. To achieve this, transitions carried out by fishers regarding their fishing methods should be financially supported, particularly for small-scale fishing operations. Access to financial services would facilitate the fishing businesses to innovate and comply with improved fisheries management measures, and thus, generate social, economic, and environmental benefits. To address such concerns, FAO initiated in 2021 the Multi-Disciplinary Fund Project “Financing innovation for sustainable fisheries with the private sector,” aimed at supporting fishing businesses in Thailand to access formal microfinance and credit sources.

This article summarizes the study report submitted to FAO by the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) in 2022, on the Assessment of the Sustainability of Currently Used Fishing Technologies and Operations in Thailand and Options for Innovation and Improvements (FAO, 2022). The study features a literature review on the current situation of the marine capture fisheries sector, and an analysis of the currently used fishing technologies and operations to identify the options for innovation and improvements in fishing vessels, onboard equipment, and gear. Data gathering by literature review was done in 2021, followed by a field survey in Rayong Province, Thailand. The knowledge and experience of the researchers from SEAFDEC/TD were used to estimate the costs and benefits of introducing the most promising innovations. These were validated by discussing with stakeholders which included owners of fishing vessels, university lecturers, representatives from the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA), representatives from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), officers from the Department of Fisheries of Thailand, technical consultants, and technical officers from SEAFDEC during the national workshop on 04 October 2021. The workshop was organized by SEAFDEC/TD and Rayong Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center of the Department of Fisheries, Rayong Province, Thailand. The monograph on the Assessment of the Sustainability of Currently Used Fishing Technologies and Operations in Thailand and Options for Innovation and Improvements was published by FAO for dissemination to the fisheries sector and to investors and financial service providers.

This article also reviews the main components of the aforesaid study report, namely: the trend of capture fisheries in Thailand; characteristics of the main fishing fleets operating in Thailand; innovations and technological upgrades; and national legislation, policies, and plans that affect fishing operations and technologies used.