Fisherman gather in mass protest

PHUKET TOWN: A large group of the fishermen who operate in Phang Nga Bay gathered yesterday at Saphan Hin to protest against nocturnal fishing for anchovy. The 200 fishermen paraded in Phuket Town, handing out leaflets demanding an end to the practice, which uses electric lights. They argue that stocks of anchovy and other marine life have been severely depleted by fishing boats using powerful lights to attract their prey into the nets. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives currently does allow nocturnal fishing with lights. About 70 fishing boats were still moored this afternoon at Laem Hin pier, Tambon Ko Kaew, as the fishermen awaited the ministry’s response.