The Port In Port Out (PIPO) Controlling Center has reported a clean record for fishing operators in Phuket province, since new regulations were introduced.
PIPO Chief Captain Preecha Tantirak said there are nearly 300 fishing vessels with 30 gross registered tons or more in Phuket. Of this figure, an average of 70-90 vessels pass through the PIPO center each day. He said local fishing operators have fully cooperated with the authorities and have adhered to the new regulations, which came into effect in August.
However in Chanthaburi province, fishermen have petitioned its governor, Mr. Samart Loyfah, to extend the grace period for removing fishing nets. The National Council for Peace and Order has ordered the removal of all fishing nets in the Welu River, as part of its plan to combat all illegal fishing activities.
The fishermen claimed that a study conducted by Burapha University revealed that their fishing nets only affected 4% of the marine population. They have also asked the provincial administration for employment support, if they can no longer catch fish and crustaceans.
2015 Thaivisa.com