Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a THB 12.76 billion fisheries management plan aimed at restoring aquatic resources, strengthening action against illegal fishing and improving the competitiveness of the country’s seafood industry by 2027.
The Fisheries Management Policy and Plan 2023–2027, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, will provide a common framework for government agencies responsible for managing and developing Thailand’s fisheries sector.
The plan includes four strategic priorities and 18 measures covering resource conservation, fisheries and aquaculture management, product standards, technology, research and value-added processing.
Deputy government spokeswoman Capt Dr Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the policy has been developed to reflect changing resource conditions, economic and environmental pressures, and evolving international trade requirements.
Thailand’s fisheries industry remains a major contributor to the country’s food security and economy, particularly through exports of processed seafood products, including canned seafood and fresh, chilled and frozen shrimp.
Although processed seafood exports generate more than 200 billion baht annually, declining supplies of raw materials from both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries have increased the industry’s reliance on imported inputs.
The sector also continues to face challenges from climate change, international regulations on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fisheries subsidies and rising global demand for food.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached 185.4 million tonnes in 2022. Aquaculture accounted for 94.4 million tonnes, or 50.92 percent of total production, surpassing wild capture fisheries, which contributed 91 million tonnes, or 49.08 percent.
Over the previous decade, wild capture production declined while aquaculture output continued to grow, according to the Cabinet meeting summary.
Capt Dr Patdarasm said the newly approved policy would help balance the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources while improving fishers’ livelihoods, increasing the value of Thailand’s fisheries industry and strengthening confidence in Thai seafood products in international markets.
