The European Union (EU) has planned to send its commissioners to Thailand in late June to observe the progress of the government’s crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Adisorn Promthep, director-general of the Fisheries Department, told the Bangkok Post that Thai officials have been making steady progress in efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“We will show them solid progress at the July meeting,” Mr Adisorn said in response to an Associated Press story quoting a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, which said the meeting in July “will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present robust measures”.
Speaking about the visit by EU officials, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Gen. Chatchai Sarikulya disclosed that the European officials were scheduled to follow up on the government’s effort to eradicate on IUU fishing. These efforts include the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), product traceability procedures, operation of Port In-Port Out centers and the enforcement of related laws.
The minister said the government has already passed ancillary laws to strengthen its campaign against IUU fishing. He revealed that he was not notified of the EU’s decision to extend Thailand’s yellow card status and claimed that the government was not under pressure from the regional bloc. Chatchai urged the public to report any suspicious activity by state officials.
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