News summary: The Seafdec research team surveyed the Mun River at Korat. It will use the information to develop freshwater fisheries.

The Seafdec research team went to research the fertility of watershed aquatic animals at Korat. The team is preparing to bring back information with which to make plans to promote freshwater fisheries in the ASEAN region, for the propagation of Kod Kang fish, white fish, soft-boiled fish and river prawns.

On March 27, 2023, reporters reported that Mrs. Saeng Arun Nuengsit, Director of the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, along with Mr. Ayuwat Anutarariyakun Khon Buri of District Fisheries, led a team of staff from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (Seafdec) and a team of freshwater fisheries promotion experts from Indonesia. Their visit to the area was meant for the study on occupations in fisheries and the environment of the source of the Mun watershed within Ban Taling Chan Community, in Chorakhe Hin Subdistrict, Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. They would also collect data in various fields. The data will be used for research in order to plan and set guidelines for promoting freshwater fisheries for the community. The gained insights will be promoted to other areas in Southeast Asia in the future.

A group of 80 fishermen volunteers have been established to take care of fish breeding grounds and establish fishery regulations in the area systematically. This will also include ensuring compliance with the law by prohibiting fishing during the floods’ season. Regulations will also include the designation of aquatic animal conservation boundaries in a proportionate manner, so that aquatic animals will have a source to propagate and for fishermen to fish for sustainable family income.

Under the promotion and advice from the Department of Fisheries in the area, this watershed is still abundant with aquatic animals and rare species such as Pla Kod Kang, Soft-fleshed fish and Yellow Catfish. There are also river prawns that are not able to breed naturally. But having received support from the Department of Fisheries, propagation of fish here can generate high income for the villagers in the area, e.t.c.

Source: Thairath.co.th