OPINION

By Jove, it's the bycatch

Re: "The human toll behind your seafood", (Opinion, July 28).

In this opinion piece, writer Claire Kietduriyakul succinctly red-flagged issue of juvenile fish caught as part of the so-called "bycatch" by destructive fishing gear.

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of species not targeted by the fishing industry--such as dolphins, turtles, seabirds, juvenile fishes, snakes, rays and sharks and is already causing unprecedented declines of non-target species.

These species often die after capture, leading to population declines, especially among endangered and vulnerable species. Many bycaught species like sea turtles, some shark species, and marine mammals are already listed as threatened or endangered. It leads to disruption of the natural ecosystem. Predators, prey and competitors are often caught unintentionally. Removing key species can destabilise food webs and lead to trophic cascades, affecting the entire marine ecosystem.

Bycatch often includes juvenile individuals of commercially valuable species, reducing their chances of reaching maturity and reproducing. This leads to long-term population declines and less sustainable fisheries. Species like albatrosses, sea lions, and dolphins are particularly vulnerable to certain fishing methods (eg, longlines, gillnets).

These species play unique ecological roles and their loss affects coastal and ocean biodiversity. Many species affected by bycatch migrate across international waters. Their decline contributes to global-scale biodiversity loss, not just in specific regions.

Solutions to reduce the bycatch include use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), adoption of sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, and stronger monitoring and enforcement of fishing regulations. In conclusion, bycatch is a hidden but major driver of biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems. Addressing it is essential for protecting marine life, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring sustainable fisheries.

The Chinese are staying

Re: "Tourism perils", (PostBag, July 19).

Frank Scimone, contributor to PostBag, accuses me of saying the only reason why the Chinese are not coming here in large numbers any more, is that they read the Everly Life study, showing that Thailand is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to visit. However, if he carefully read my letter, he would realise that I was only using the cited study to back-up a prior Post Editorial on the situation which highlighted the reluctance of the Chinese to come here due to their perception of the country as becoming too dangerous to visit now. That s all!

Further, I would like to point out that a recent study by Eagle Dumpster Rental has rated Thailand s capital city as being the "7th dirtiest in the world". So other reasons also factor into why the Chines are no longer coming here in great numbers. Thailand's total tourist arrivals for this year are projected to be around 33 million at most, far below pre-Covid pandemic peaks.

Cambodia wooing the US

Re: "Unlikely ally", (PostBag, Aug 7) & "Cambodia is 'cosying up to US'", (BP, Aug 4).

For the second time in a week, I agree with ML Saksiri Kridakorn's view. When the recent border fight broke out in earnest, I told my best friends over a long-distance phone call to America that, one way or another, Cambodia would probably have a far more potent military within 24 months, so hearing rumours of Cambodia allegedly trying to woo America comes as no surprise to me assuming the information is accurate.

Yet the more interesting part is Cambodia's alleged attempted serenade to get America to throw down a lock of its hair shows just how far Thailand- formerly America's SE. Asian Cold War "favourite son -- has fallen. Post World War II until at least when the USSR fell in 1991, Thailand all but walked on water in the eyes of the United States, and Thailand might still have that status if not for relations with the USA which have gradually soured over approximately the last decade.

To conclude, I know my country well. If another SE Asian nation is willing to give the United States its way, as well as a strategic toe-hold in SE Asia, I fully expect the USA will take the offer and, as with many allies of America, that will likely include all kinds of US technology, and possibly military equipment. It looks to me like the stage might be set for a new SE Asian favourite son.