SEAFDEC/TD, in collaboration with the Fisheries Development and Restoration Group, Marine Fisheries Research and Development Division, Department of Fisheries, Thailand, organized the training course on “Reducing the Costs of Fishing Operations in Small-Scale Fisheries Using Solar Cells” on 4 June 2026 at the Bang Saphan Fisheries Association, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand.
The training brought together fisheries officers, marine research personnel, and local small-scale fishermen from Bang Saphan District to enhance their knowledge of renewable energy applications in fisheries. The program focused on introducing solar-cell technology as an alternative energy solution to help reduce operational costs in small-scale fishing activities. Participants learned about the principles of solar energy, the benefits of clean energy in fisheries, the main components of solar-cell systems, equipment selection, installation techniques, and basic maintenance procedures. Hands-on practical sessions were also conducted to provide participants with experience in safely installing and operating solar-cell systems on small fishing vessels.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Sampan Panjarat, Chief of the Training Department, emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable technologies to improve the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities while reducing environmental impacts. A total of 40 participants attended the training, including 20 local fishermen, 16 staff members from Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centers in Samut Prakan, Rayong, Chumphon, Ranong, Phuket, Satun, Songkhla, and Narathiwat, as well as four officers from the Department of Fisheries headquarters.
SEAFDEC/TD expressed its hope that the knowledge gained from the training program would enable participants to apply solar-cell technology in their fishing operations and further promote sustainable fisheries development in the region.
