Hook, line, and sinker: Two men nabbed for illegal fishing

Two men have been apprehended for illegal fishing within a restricted zone off Cape Panwa, an area designated as a sanctuary for aquatic animals and plants.

Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) stationed at the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Center spotted the men fishing in the protected waters on Wednesday afternoon, June 12. According to a report on the DMCR Facebook page, the area was designated for the conservation of aquatic animals and plant species on July 31 of last year by the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Committee.

Wichit police were alerted and promptly responded, arresting the individuals identified as Pathompong Kham-on, a 20 year old Thai national, and 25 year old Than Myint Oo from Myanmar.

The restricted area is off-limits to the public, with violations considered acts of encroachment and destruction of marine resources, according to the amended Royal Decree on Fisheries 2015. Section 56 of this decree explicitly prohibits fishing within sanctuary areas unless it is for academic purposes or the maintenance of aquatic species, and only with written permission from the committee director-general.

“The area is designated specifically for the preservation of marine life.”

The men’s fishing rods and related gear were confiscated, and they were taken to Wichit police station to face undisclosed charges. The DMCR report did not specify the exact boundaries of the conservation zone, suggesting a need for clearer demarcation to prevent future infractions, reported Phuket News.

Future violators could face similar consequences as authorities continue to enforce the conservation regulations strictly, underscoring the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

In related news, illegal fishing tools continue to cause problems in Songkhla, particularly the use of Pongpang fishing devices in Songkhla Lake. Despite efforts by authorities to enforce the law, the situation remains unresolved as fisherfolk persist in using these prohibited tools.

The Pongpang devices are installed in the navigable channel between Hua Phaya Nak and the new fishing pier in Mueang Songkhla District, comprising 13 rows and 158 slots.