On February 6, 2024, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, a researcher and lecturer at the School of Science, and Director of The Center for Academic Services at Walailak University, was appointed by the Department of Fisheries as a member of the Thailand’s National Scientific and Technical Committee for assessing the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and determining appropriate reference points for aquatic resources management in 2024, according to the Department of Fisheries Order No. 73/2024, dated January 25, 2024.

The appointed duties include:

1. Reviewing and screening the results of the assessment of the maximum sustainable yield of aquatic resources in Thai waters and proposing guidelines for setting the total allowable catch.
2. Recommending reference points for resources, suitable to the condition of the resources and the fisheries in Thailand.
3. Providing guidance for analyzing scientific data related to fisheries management.
4. Performing other assigned tasks.

This meeting was conducted via an online meeting system (Zoom) with the objective to collaborate in the analysis and planning of sustainable fisheries resource management. Additionally, the committee provided recommendations on the Department of Fisheries announcement concerning the timeframe, criteria, methods, procedures, and conditions for applying for commercial fishing licenses for the fishing years 2024-2025, and reviewed the condition of aquatic resources from 2015-2023. They also considered data on aquatic animal catch volumes and community fishing effort to evaluate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of aquatic resources, including both commercial and artisanal fisheries, and the total allowable catch (TAC). Furthermore, the meeting discussed guidelines and criteria for allocating commercial fishing licenses for the 2024 fishing year.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee has been continuously involved in fisheries resource management since 2021, appointed by the Department of Fisheries, and the appointment aligns with the goal of sustainable development, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.