On 18 November 2019, at the Chaipattana Foundation, Mr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Chairman of the Utokapat Foundation, under the royal patronage, along with Mr. Suthat Wisakun, director of the Hydro - Informatics Institute (Public Organization) and Mr. Mesak Pakdeekong, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on "Development of Water Resources Information Technology for Water Management in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and the extension of the community network in water resource management according to the royal initiative." To support, connect, and exchange information in various fields. Also, to increase the efficiency of water management and fishery resources together.

Mr. Mesak Pakdeekong, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, said that for the signing ceremony for the agreement consists of (1) the Department of Fisheries, (2) Ministry of Agriculture, (3) the Utokapat Foundation, and (4) the Hydro - Informatics Institute (Public Organization) would cooperate in the development of water resources information technology for water management together with the Department of Fisheries. Plus, it is further expanding the network of community water resources management according to the royal initiative, which supports water resources data for the benefit of fisheries to achieve integrated, more efficient, and tangible operations.

Currently, water management for fishers is a necessity and an urgent need. Because Thailand has continuously variable weather, resulting in farmers being affected by drought and flooding that is sudden and unable to solve the problem quickly. Therefore, exchanging water situation information from this agreement will help solve the water management problems for farmers faster, especially farmers who raise fish in floating cages, both closed and open water sources such as rivers and canals, including the coastline. To assist in planning surveillance and compensating for damages in the event of a situation.

Finally, the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries said that from the signing of this MoU, they would use the information from such cooperation on maximum benefits to farmers. By developing fishery information to enable farmers to be aware of the current water situation in their careers and to prevent possible damage, resulting in better living conditions and stable income, leading to livelihoods sustainable in the future.

Reference : https://www4.fisheries.go.th/index.php/dof/activity_item/3780