Banchong resists reversal on Mekong fishing nets
The House approved a new fisheries bill on Dec 25, 2021, to amend Section 69 of the Fisheries Act. However, marine conservationist Banchong Nasae, an advisor to the Thai Sea Watch Association and a recipient of the Santiprachatham Award, has expressed concern over the proposed changes.
The amendment allows the use of seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 2.5 centimetres for nighttime fishing. Banchong Nasae argues that this practice would indiscriminately sweep up vast numbers of juvenile fish and small marine organisms, potentially destabilizing the ocean's food chain and threatening high-value commercial species as well as rare marine life.
The use of these nets at night, according to Banchong Nasae, would severely harm marine ecosystems. He compared the potential compromise to "scientific whaling" in other countries, warning that vague conditions written into law could lead to a lack of accountability should ecosystems be harmed.
Banchong Nasae is not alone in his opposition. He has urged parliament to maintain the ban on the amendment of Section 69, and a letter signed by Banchong Nasae and several other organizations warns that this could ultimately threaten the health of the ocean.
The parliamentary committee is considering a compromise that would permit purse seine operations beyond 12 nautical miles from shore, pending research results and public hearings. However, Banchong Nasae has criticized this compromise, stating that there is no sound economic or social justification for amending Section 69 merely to serve the interests of a particular group.
Alternative fishing methods, such as lift nets, scoop nets, or falling nets, are capable of catching target species at night without posing such ecological risks. Banchong Nasae has called on political parties to publicly pledge not to exploit Section 69 and has urged them to consider the long-term impact on the ocean's ecosystems.
In addition, Banchong Nasae has highlighted the lack of action under Section 57 of the current Fisheries Act, which provides for the designation of protected species. No measures have been enacted in the past decade to designate protected species, despite the law's provision.
Banchong Nasae's advocacy for marine conservation is not new. He is a leading marine conservationist and has received numerous accolades for his work. His concerns over the amendment to Section 69 of the Fisheries Act serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the ocean and its diverse ecosystems.
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