Rayong:Local fishermen along the coast of Rayong have shifted their focus from crab and shrimp nets to catching greenfin tuna, achieving significant daily earnings of tens of thousands of baht by supplying fishmeal factories.
According to Thai News Agency, the transition has been particularly evident among fishermen at Suan Son Beach in Klaeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, where the calm sea conditions and presence of green mackerel schools have facilitated the switch to purse seine fishing. This method has proven advantageous as schools of greenfin tuna swim close to the shore during the late rainy season and early winter.
Mr. M, a 38-year-old fisherman, described how large schools of greenfin tuna, among other aquatic animals, migrate close to the coast to feed. Fishermen have managed to catch at least half a ton of these fish daily, with some trips yielding up to one or two tons. This has resulted in substantial incomes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 baht each day.
Greenfin tuna, although not commonly consumed, are in high demand by fishmeal factories for animal feed production, where they are purchased at 12 baht per kilogram. When sold in smaller quantities or at shops, the price ranges from 15 to 18 baht per kilogram.