BANGKOK, 21 July 2015 – More fishing vessels weighing over 30 gross tonnes will be resuming operations in consistent with the Port-in and Port-out reports, the MOAC Minister says.
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya reveals that the overall fishing situation in 22 seaside provinces has begun returning to normal conditions. More vessels are sailing out to fish, with the exception of some rough sea areas, where small boats’ operations have been prohibited during this time.
He has said that the number of operating vessels that are larger than 30 gross tonnes has increased. The Port-in and Port-out reports the current number at 2,558 vessels.
Fish markets and ice factories have resumed business as usual, with more catches entering the market. Overall prices remain at normal rates, with the exception of some areas where vessels are still prohibited from operating due to harsh sea conditions.
The MOAC Minister has added that vessels owners who have not registered their vessels to obtain fishing licenses, log books, employees registers, work permits, certificates, and install the Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) should contact the Provincial Fisheries Offices to complete the process within 31 July 2015.