Casting caution: Chon Buri cops reel in rogue reservoir fishers

Police cast a wide net over illegal fishing activities in the Wat Yansangwararam reservoir in Chon Buri province, and it’s sink or swim for those breaking the rules. Despite clear signage banning fishing and the use of electric shock methods, some anglers just won’t let it ‘gill.’

Bang Lamung District Chief Weekit Manarojkit reeled in the message loud and clear yesterday, October 8: fishing in this protected conservation area will not go unpunished.

“Violators will face prosecution under the Fisheries Act.”

This comes after reports from September 26 revealed that some individuals, undeterred by the warnings, continued to cast their lines in the reservoir.

The Wat Yan Reservoir isn’t just a scenic spot, it plays a crucial role in alleviating droughts, controlling floods, supporting agriculture, and even boosting local tourism. But its growing fish population, thanks to local traditions of releasing fish, has made it a target for illegal anglers. Some lawbreakers were even using electric shock methods, despite the risk of fines of up to 1 million baht.

Military and police personnel have ramped up patrols, but enforcement has been difficult due to the size of the area. Some sneaky fishers claimed they had permission but officials quickly shut that down.

To curb these illegal activities, authorities are pushing for clearer signs, promising stricter enforcement under the Fisheries Act. Penalties include hefty fines, and a small task force is being formed to ensure offenders are caught.

Khao Cheechan Municipality’s secretary, Pheerawut Boonwat, admitted enforcement is tricky, as the reservoir spans two jurisdictions. But with a 97-million-baht tourism development budget, there’s hope for better oversight, reported Pattaya Mail.

In related news, a rescue team that operated during the floods in Chiang Mai discovered a 300-kilogramme giant catfish in the floodwaters and is now searching for its owner, believing the fish to be a pet. One of the rescuers, who found the giant catfish took to his Facebook account to post pictures of the animal, both to record the shocking discovery and to help find the fish’s owner.