For centuries, sustainable Thai fishing practices have been a lifeline for coastal communities across the Andaman Sea. These time-tested methods are not only a part of Thai heritage, but also some of the most eco-friendly fishing techniques still used today.
Let’s take a look at the traditional, sustainable ways Thai locals catch fish without harming the delicate marine ecosystems.
Table of Contents
🛶 1. Handline Fishing – Skill Over Speed
This method uses a single fishing line, hook, and bait—usually squid or small fish. Unlike modern trawling, handline fishing is incredibly selective. Locals only take what they need, often returning juvenile fish back to the water.
✅ Why it’s sustainable: No bycatch, no nets, no damage to coral.
🪸 2. Trap Fishing (Lobster & Crab Cages)
Made from bamboo or recycled wood, these cage traps are placed in shallow reefs overnight. They allow small creatures to escape while capturing only mature crabs or lobsters. It’s a favorite among locals on Similan and Surin Islands, where conservation is a way of life.
✅ Why it’s sustainable: Minimal habitat disruption and zero fuel emissions.
🐟 3. Spearfishing – Precision and Respect
Used by the Moken sea nomads of the Surin Islands, spearfishing is a revered skill passed through generations. With a handmade spear and no modern gear, divers free-dive and aim only for specific fish. No nets, no waste.
✅ Why it’s sustainable: No overfishing, highly selective, deeply respectful of the sea.
Read more about Moken traditions on our Surin Island tour.
🌾 4. Fish Farming in Floating Baskets
Some coastal villages, especially around Phang Nga Bay, use floating bamboo baskets to raise fish like grouper or snapper. These sustainable fish farms reduce pressure on wild populations.
✅ Why it’s sustainable: Controlled breeding, low environmental impact.
🌊 Supporting Sustainable Tourism
When you book eco-friendly island tours in Thailand, you support communities that still rely on these traditional methods. Join us on our Surin Islands one day tour or explore James Bond Island with our eco canoe tours.
By choosing sustainable Thai fishing experiences, you’re helping preserve marine life and cultural identity.
Don’t forget to follow our eco-friendly tour : Love Andaman
