Pilot Workshop on Recording Encounters with Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Marine Species during Fishing Operations

On 20 June 2025, the Thailand Sustainable Fisheries Roundtable (TSFR) organized a pilot workshop under the project “Recording Encounters with Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Marine Species during Trawl Fishing Operations in the Gulf of Thailand.” The workshop was held at the Maeklong Fisheries Cooperative meeting room in Samut Songkhram Province.

This workshop was supported by Valura Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and PTTEP Energy Development Co., Ltd. It aimed to develop practical guidelines for recording sightings of marine species during fishing operations, as part of the implementation of the Fisheries Action Plan (FAP).

Mr. Wirat Smithamacharo, the Provincial Fisheries Officer of Samut Songkhram, presided over the official opening of the workshop. Mr. Piyachok Sinanun, Head of the Fishing Vessel and Port Inspection Division of the Department of Fisheries, provided a technical briefing. A total of 35 participants attended, including fishery operators, crew members, and pilot project representatives from Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Chonburi, along with officers from fisheries inspection stations.

Key outcomes from the workshop included:

• The Department of Fisheries will revise the data recording form based on participants’ feedback to ensure its practical usability in the field.

• Training sessions will be organized for fishery operators and crew members to ensure accurate and consistent data recording.

• The pilot project is expected to launch in early July 2025, marking a significant step toward sustainable fisheries management through effective stakeholder collaboration