On 9 February 2026, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD), participated in Progress Report Meeting on the Development of Marine Habitats for Fisheries Using Decommissioned Oil and Gas Platform Structures Collaborative-Project, organized by the Department of Fisheries (DOF), Thailand. The meeting was held at the Payoon Meeting Room, Chulabhorn Building, Bangkok.
SEAFDEC/TD was represented by Ms. Panitnard Weerawat, Research and Development Division Head and Mr. Sukchai Arnupapboon, Fishing Ground and Oceanography Section Head. SEAFDEC/TD is one of the collaborating agencies of the project and in collaboration with Kasetsart University, provided technical support in model investigation on the impacts of Artificial Reef structures from decommissioned oil and gas wellhead platform jacket to water level, flow velocity and water circulation and deployed the research vessel M.V. SEAFDEC to conduct surveys of fisheries resources and the marine environment in the rig-to-reef deployment area off the coast of Pattani Province.
Currently, the project is in the process of obtaining the required permits to deploy a decommissioned oil and gas wellhead platform jacket as an artificial reef in the designated area. Following the installation of the platform jacket, post-deployment surveys will be conducted to assess the project’s effectiveness. These surveys are scheduled to be carried out three times during 2027–2028.
The Development of Marine Habitats for Fisheries Using Decommissioned Oil and Gas Platform Structures Collaborative-Project is expected to enhance marine biodiversity, improve fisheries resources and promote sustainable fisheries management through the effective utilization of decommissioned oil and gas platform structures. SEAFDEC/TD remains committed to supporting the planned surveys and contributing to science-based evaluation to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources in Thailand.
