Policy Development of Artisanal Fisheries in Songkhla Province

Abstract

       Addressing the situation of artisanal fisheries in Songkhla Province, this article studies the deteriorating situation of the artisanal fisheries and secondly examines the government policy that has impact on this local fishery. Thirdly explores the proper policy that government should develop for the province which would strengthen local livelihood. Draws on the initial research method of in-depth interviews, the analysis reveals the unsustainability in Songkhla Province with problems of depleting coastal sea resources as the result of numerous destructive fishing methods. Government sector is incapable of tackling the fishing industry while the strict application of EU with regard to illegal fishery, vessels and abuse of human rights, small scale fisheries face restrictions to extend their activity outer sea beyond the legal delineated limit, with less fish catching. Finally approaches to develop policy suitable to this particular locality consist of community-based fisheries management, promoting artisanal fisheries planning, prohibiting illegal trawlers, building a common rule for local fisheries, solving the competing conflicts in fisheries resource, devastated fishing, prohibiting the use of helix, fish aggregating device which cause damage exploitation and revoking the royal enactment on fisheries 2558 BE section 34.