SEAFDEC/IFRDMD Conducts Eel Survey in Southern Thailand

From May 17 to 19, 2025, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD conducted a field survey in southern Thailand, covering Hat Yai, Libong Island, and Satun, to assess Anguillid eel populations and collect genetic samples in support of sustainable resource management.

In Hat Yai, the team interviewed Mrs. Somsuk Donphikun, who oversees 25 eel collectors. Most of their catch consisted of snake eels, which were exported to Taiwan and China; only one fisherman targeted Anguillid eels using bamboo traps.

On Libong Island, the team collaborated with local fishers to set traps and fishing lines. Despite it being the off-season, they managed to catch 12 eels, from which they conducted morphometric measurements and collected tissue samples for DNA analysis.

In Satun, although no eels were caught during the visit, the team observed hook-based fishing techniques and obtained one eel sample.

The collected samples will be analyzed at IFRDMD using CO1, Cyt B, and microsatellite markers to gain a better understanding of the stock connectivity of Anguillid eels between Thailand and neighboring regions, such as Malaysia. This effort contributes to the regional conservation and sustainable management of tropical Anguillid eel populations.