Thailand Bans Fishing in Gulf of Thailand Spawning Grounds for Six Months

Thailand Bans Fishing in Gulf of Thailand Spawning Grounds for Six Months

Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources imposed a six-month fishing ban across 12,000 square kilometers of critical spawning grounds in the upper Gulf of Thailand, effective February 22, 2026. The closure, the most extensive in Thai history, targets areas where commercially important species including mackerel, anchovy, and blue swimming crab reproduce during February through July.

Thailand's fisheries have declined by 86% since 1960, making them among the most depleted in Southeast Asia.

Scientific Basis

A 10-year study by Kasetsart University's Faculty of Fisheries documented that fish biomass in the upper Gulf dropped to 15% of 1990 levels, with spawning stock biomass for key species below the biological minimum needed for population recovery. The study recommended a minimum 120-day closure to allow one complete spawning cycle.

"We have been fishing beyond reproductive capacity for two decades," said Professor Mala Supongpan, lead author of the study. "Without a pause, collapse of remaining stocks is inevitable within five years."

Enforcement

The Royal Thai Navy assigned six patrol vessels and two maritime surveillance aircraft to enforce the closure. All commercial fishing vessels above 10 gross tons must activate AIS transponders, with violations resulting in license revocation and fines up to 30 million baht ($830,000).

An estimated 45,000 commercial fishing operators are affected, along with 200,000 workers in fishing and related supply chain roles.

Compensation and Alternatives

The government allocated 8.5 billion baht ($236 million) in compensation, providing monthly payments of 15,000 baht ($415) per registered fishing crew member during the closure. A skills retraining program offers courses in aquaculture, boat maintenance, and marine tourism.

Thailand's aquaculture sector, which produces 1.1 million tons of shrimp and fish annually, is expected to partially absorb displaced workers.

Precedent and Expectations

Similar seasonal closures in the Philippines' Visayan Sea resulted in a 45% increase in fish biomass within two years. Scientists expect the Gulf of Thailand closure to produce measurable recovery within 12-18 months if compliance is sustained.

Marine conservation groups have called for the closure to become permanent in the most critical 4,000 square kilometers, creating a network of no-take zones that would allow natural stock rebuilding while permitting fishing in surrounding areas.