English subtitle of PM weekly televised address on 10 July 2015
Start at 3.18 minute
As for solutions to solve problems in the fishing industry which has been overlooked for more than a decade, we have many laws in place but due to various reasons such as lack of technology and high standards, these laws have not been enforced properly. As a result, there are consequences such as labor problems, human rights violation, and deterioration of marine resources. If left unsolved, there will not be marine animals in Thai waters, seafood exports will be boycotted, and businesses and livelihoods will be affected. Because Thai seafood exports account for 200 billion baht a year, the government has to tackle this problem urgently. Once the problem is solved, the Thai fishing industry shall have sustainability, and create jobs and income for the people.
It is inevitable that government’s measures will affect big and small fishing businesses. As we understand the consequences, we are doing our best to rehabilitate and help those affected by these regulations to adjust themselves, especially local fishermen. Any measures that are not in violation of the IUU Fishing regulations have been revised while some others have been put in place. I have instructed the Command Center for Combating Illegal Fishing and the Fisheries Department to revise related policies in order to allow entrepreneurs and fishermen to make appropriate modifications.
If successful, there will be more fish in the sea. I heard that fishermen can now catch more fish. Using unauthorized fishing equipment can destroy the balance of marine resources. And as a result, local fishermen will not be able to catch any fish, given that the fish have all been caught by unregistered fishing boat operators. Today, local fishermen are happier, with more income. You probably might still don’t understand. We don’t want to force you out of business, but you need to do it legally. The media needs to help me tell the truth about what the government is doing. Without understanding, chances of Thailand reversing EU’s yellow card are slim. The reason we are able to implement these measures while our fishermen have also been able to remain positive is because the policies have been introduced incrementally so as to allow local businesses to adjust and operate. Today, more vessels have authorized fishing equipment and now meet the other standard requirements.
Thank you all fishermen and stakeholders who cooperate. Those who have yet to cooperate, please start do so. I want all the fishing vessels, either local or commercial, to register with the government as required. We even have a registration platform floating at sea. Some boat operators claim that they don’t have enough time to get a license. So I sent this floating platform to register them at sea. This is the best we can do. It is impossible for us to facilitate everyone, all at the same time. Please make some time to register for a license. More licenses have been issued. All you need to do is install required equipment on your vessels and licenses will be provided for you. We cannot have you do business illegally. The government is willing to listen to all suggestions. The government relaxed its fishing policy by clustering operators in a bid to allow local fishermen to operate. There were too many categories and it was inconvenient. I believe that local fishing activities have the least impact on marine resources. However, local fishermen need to use equipment allowed by the law.
Most of the boat operators affected by the new regulations are those who have been using unauthorized equipment. We will not issue licenses to this group. Police will not remain lenient in order to facilitate this transaction. It is logical that you will lose income if you do business legally. The matter of illegal fishing crews or workers concerns human trafficking. We have to think about this problem as well because everything is interconnected. Human trafficking, illegal fishing, fishing in unauthorized areas, are all connected. Every other country is looking to get better. Some countries have closed off their waters. We have to make everything legal. There must be more cooperation. The Thai government has been in touch in other countries on this matter.
As for matter relating to downstream activities such as in fish markets, the number of fish and other seafood items has been lower recently. However, the situation has been alleviating. More vessels are now allowed into the sea while local fishermen can catch more fish. Due to this fact, more fish are delivered to markets. The impact is only minor and temporary as more fishing boats have been operating normally. We have to come clear now. Fishing vessels that have been suspended since July 1st are due to 1) they are in the process of registration, 2) the weather has not been suitable for fishing as waves and winds are too strong, and 3) licenses cannot be issued for vessels failing to meet the requirements.
The inspection of fishing vessels by Thai authorities which is now in progress is hoped to collect factual and most up-to-date information in order to find the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The MSY is expected to help create a balance between the use of fishery resources and the amount of marine resources. Furthermore, the information will allow authorities to issue licenses in accordance with the amount of marine resources Thailand has. It also ensures sustainability in the fishing industry.
Apart from what the government has been doing and abiding by the IUU regulations is that the government has been caring for local fishing as well as focusing on marine resources preservation. Please understand that the government cannot relax any policies related to IUU regulations. Your cooperation is much appreciated. I want Thailand to have plenty of marine animals. We need to let the fish grow before catching them. Stop using illegal fishing nets. We need to create good conscience and awareness about marine life. Now we need to think about the next generation. How will the next generation cope without marine resources? There will be no more fishing. Please make adjustments now.
Marine resources are treasure of the nation and should be maintained for next generations to come. Natural resources are great treasure that must be preserved and passed on to our children.
End at 11.08 minute
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6n6ni6zOYs[/youtube]
