Climate change 'threatens Thai fight against illegal fishing'

Fish are seen after catching at Samut Sakhon port in Thailand November 22, 2016. Picture taken November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

SAMUT SAKHON, Thailand (Reuters) - Climate change threatens to undermine Thailand's efforts to combat illegal fishing and avoid a potential European Union ban on exports by the multi-billion dollar seafood industry, environmental groups say.

They warn that climate change is slowing the recovery of fish stocks in traditional fishing grounds, prompting boats to venture outside Thai waters in search of fish.