At the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikalya and EU Fishing Control Agency deputy chairpersons Gabriel Mato and Cara Garcia (Photo: prd.go.th) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Thai government has reported its progress in dealing with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, to representatives of the European Union (EU), emphasizing the strict enforcement of laws.
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikalya revealed after meeting with EU Fishing Control Agency deputy chairpersons Gabriel Mato and Cara Garcia that he assured both entities that the Thai government has been working diligently in all respects to ensure the sustainability of Thai fisheries and to improve the management of foreign labourers. He told both officials, who played a key role in the EU’s efforts to remedy IUU fishing, that the Thai government has been strictly enforcing laws to do with fishing and labour, with 88 percent of arrests to do with illegal boating and the rest to do with fishing.
On top of regulations, between October 1, 2017 and May 23, 2018, the government issued an order for all fishing vessels to adhere to labour and employment practices, threatening them with suspension of operation in cases of failure. Latest surveys have found widespread compliance with the order.
The two EU representatives paid particular attention to Thailand’s participation in various declarations and treaties to do with eradicating forced labour and improving the quality of life for workers in the fisheries sector. The Thai government is currently working to be able to join the International Labour Organization’s 188th affirmation on fishing, by having its tenets announced in the Royal Gazette by September of this year.
Gen Chatchai noted to the EU that Thailand’s work has not been based solely on whether or not it can have its yellow flag lifted but on making its fisheries sector sustainable, and sees the EU as an important ally in combatting IUU fishing.
Both EU representatives commended Thailand for its efforts and achievements. -NNT/VNA
VNA
