SURAT THANI, 1 May 2015 -The Department of Fisheries will introduce the port-in port-out system on May 6th in its attempt to resolve illegal unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU) in Thailand.
Department of Fisheries Director General Jumpol Sanguansin said the system will first be piloted on fishing vessels of 30 tons gross or more.
They will be required to notify authorities both before leaving and when returning from the sea voyages within 24 hours. They are to reveal the number of people working on board, the type of equipment they use and the species of their catch.
Mr. Jumpol said he is confident that the system will soon have the fishing industry under control as fishing vessels, their operators, and workers are obligated to obtain a license and work permits before they are allowed to leave the shore.
