Thailand's Fisheries Sector Receives Boost from US Government Certification

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's fisheries sector has gained a significant advantage as the US government has officially certified the country's compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) standards. This certification, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will enable all Thai aquatic products to be exported to the United States. The certification comes after Thailand's Department of Fisheries implemented various conservation measures and provided operational information to the US government since 2017. The country's compliance with MMPA standards has been verified through an assessment process, which confirmed that Thai legal measures fully comply with the act, ensuring that aquatic products do not cause injury or death to marine mammals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thailand has been certified by the US government under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) standards, allowing all Thai aquatic products to be exported to the United States.
  • Thailand is one of 89 countries out of 135 trading partners that meet all fishing gear criteria.
  • The certification was issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after an assessment process verified Thailand's compliance with MMPA standards.
  • Thailand has implemented various conservation measures, including developing a national action plan for 2023-2027, amending the Fisheries Act, and organizing training sessions to enhance knowledge on conservation.
  • Over 5,500 participants have undergone training on conservation and assistance for rare marine animals, and a trial using signal transmitters (Pingers) in fishing nets has shown no marine animals were caught.
  • Thailand's Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Mr. Bancha Sukkaew, emphasized the importance of responsible fishing practices and the country's commitment to maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Statistics:

  • 89 countries out of 135 trading partners meet all fishing gear criteria under the MMPA standards.
  • Over 5,500 participants have undergone training on conservation and assistance for rare marine animals since 2017.
  • Thailand has implemented 96 training sessions to enhance knowledge on conservation and assistance for rare marine animals.
  • The trial of using signal transmitters (Pingers) in fishing nets found that no marine animals were caught.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency, 02 Sep 2025
  • Department of Fisheries