BANGKOK (NNT) - The Fisheries Department has confirmed local fishermen’s problems are being solved and verification papers are meant for their own benefit. The department was responding to the local fishermen who said they might gather in mass protest if some measures which have been adversely affecting them were not promptly amended.

Fisheries Department Director General Mesak Phakdeekhong said today the National Fisheries Association of Thailand has raised 11 problems for the department to solve and admitted some local fishermen are being adversely affected by the department’s regulations. The department has taken measures to provide relief aid for the affected fishermen, restore coastal resources and contain the fishing industry’s labor shortages. However, he said some of the fishermen’s demands could not be met immediately.

Commercial fishing operators and local fishermen have been urged to register with the Marine Department by the end of December to obtain verification papers. There are a total of 10,467 commercial trawlers and over 27,000 local fishing boats with a maximum of 10 tons displacement. The registration benefits the local fishermen regarding their access to the government’s relief fund and in respect to the number of boats and the authorities’ administration and management of natural resources. The department chief said he could give explanations and reach an understanding with the local fishermen if they eventually stage a protest.

written by National News Bureau & Public Relations, 
source : https://www4.fisheries.go.th/index.php/dof/activity_item/3821/all_activity/1