Thailand shows the potential with a prototype to solve the problem of illegal fishing in "The 3rd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Working Group of 689 on Combating IUU Fishing," and both parties have a consensus on the preparation to join the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Mr. Mesak Pakdeekong, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, revealed that the Department of Fisheries had hosted "The 3rd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Working Group of 689 on Combating IUU Fishing" on December 3-4, 2019 with Mrs. Umaporn Phimolbut, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives chaired the meeting. 

Which the result of this meeting, Thailand was praised by Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung – Deputy General Director of  The Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish) and Inter-Ministerial Working Group of 689, could solve the problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and succeed in lifting the yellow card in a short time. They also would like to learn about Thailand's experience in tackling IUU fishing in all dimensions, which can serve as a model and a solution for Vietnam facing similar problems in the future. On this occasion, Mr. Mesak Pakdeekong, Director-General of DOF, expressed his gratitude to them and willingness to help and fully share experiences with Vietnam.

In this meeting, both sides agreed on the preparation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the exchange of fishery information and share experiences in tackling IUU fishing together. To be a channel toward closer coordination between both sides and discuss other cooperation related to the IUU fishing solution such as cooperation in fisheries surveillance and coordination of foreign fishing vessel that has the risk or is likely to have engaged in IUU fishing to bring aquatic animals to landing ports. Such cooperation aims to exchange information on IUU fishing vessels, fishing boats encroaching territorial waters were arrested, including the exchange of other relevant information. For example: Catch Certificate document, Aquatic Animal Unloading information for traceability inspection of aquatic animal sources, also the information according to the Port State Measures (PSM), including monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS). 

In this regard, both sides have agreed to the draft of the MOU in the initial stage. Next, the Department of Fisheries will proceed to submit the proposal under the proposal approval process.
 

The meeting was held on 9 December 2019 at the Pha-Yoon Meeting Room, 7th floor, Chulabhorn Building, Department of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand.

Source : https://www4.fisheries.go.th/index.php/dof/activity_item/3854/all_activity/1