Review of the Trawl Fisheries in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon Province, Thailand

Although the number of fishing boats registered by trawls has continuously decreased during last decades, the demersal fish stocks are in declining state. Closed area in the Upper Western Gulf of Thailand, including Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon Province, has been effective almost 30 years. However, it seems that it is not sufficient to sustain fisheries resources. Several issues demonstrating the decline of fisheries resources have been discussed in this paper. Huge amount of trash fish, overfishing, lower CPUE and sub-adult economic fish being caught are all signs that strong management actions are strongly needed. Enlargement of cod-end mesh size is a possible management measure to restore the resources and to ensure sustainable fisheries in the country