The European Union’s threat to maintain its yellow card on Thai seafood imports over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has not dented the private sector’s hopes for a positive ruling from the bloc next month.
The sector cited its partnership with the government in taking action to tackle the issues, including the use of an electronic marine catch purchasing document from this coming Sunday.
The new system will also control the trade of aquatic products and aquaculture development including sanitation. This will help to accurately trace the sources of Thailand’s aquatic species according to the Fisheries Act.
The Department of Fisheries, Fish Marketing Organization, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Command Center for Combating Illegal Fishing, Board of Trade and the Thai Fishery Producers Coalition (TFPC) signed a letter of cooperation Wednesday to set up the marine catch purchasing document.
The TFPC comprises the Thai Frozen Food Association, Thai Food Processors’ Association, Thai Shrimp Association, Thai Tuna Industry Association, National Fishery Association of Thailand, Thai Overseas Fishery Association, Thai Fishmeal Association and the Thai Fishmeal Producer Association.
Poj Aramwattananont, president of the TFPC and vice-chairman the Board of Trade, said the problems of the fishing industry and related industries had accumulated over many years.
The government and private sector are committed to tackling fishery issues and view the issue as a national agenda, he said.
The government released Fisheries Decree 2558 on Nov 13 last year with the aim of preventing fishing by unlawful methods. This also included the welfare of workers on fishing boats and management of fisheries so that they can be sustainable, Mr Poj said. “From now on, it’s the government’s duty to explain in a written statement to the EU about Thailand’s intentions and efforts,” he said.
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