FLEET MANAGEMENT

• Reduction of Thai Fishing Fleet  As of 7 February 2018, a total of 38,956 fishing vessels now remain (11,026 commercial; 27,930 artisanal) down from 50,023 in 2015 (announcement by Marine Department).  The drastic reduction of fleet structure, including stricter control of fishing license, is part of our continued efforts to ensure sustainability based on MSY calculation. 
• Identification of Fishing Vessels  All fishing and supporting vessels will be marked with identification numbers and their photos and other information recorded in a common electronic database.
• Lock Down of Fishing Vessels  1,160 vessels have been locked down.  Any fishing vessel found with revoked vessel registration and no fishing license as well as any supporting vessel without proper registration will be painted and locked at port. 
• Further Fleet Reduction  Fleet size will continue to be reduced through numerous schemes and any vessels that remain after this process will be decommissioned.

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

• New Process for Fishing License (2018-2019)  A new process has been introduced to issue fishing licenses requiring applicants to undergo stricter inspection.  Applicants with a history of violating Thai fisheries law will be denied licenses.

LONGER IMPRISONMENT, HEFTIER FINES, MORE VIGILENT PROSECUTION

• Illegal Fishing in the Indian Ocean  Owner of three Thai overseas fishing vessels was fined over 3.5 million euros (130 million baht) and its company executives sentenced 2 years and 3 months imprisonment for illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean.
• Illegal Fishing in Somali Waters  A Dhibouti-flagged fishing vessel owned by a Thai company was recently prosecuted for fishing illegally in Somali waters.  The investigation has led to two other Somali-flagged fishing vessels owned by the same company now being detained in Maldives upon tips from DG MARE and INTERPOL.  A Thai investigation team is taking part in the interrogation in order to prosecute the owner also under Thai laws.
• Total Prosecution over Past 2 Years  Thailand has prosecuted a total of 1,144 cases (79 cases against illegal fishing overseas; 1,065 cases against illegal fishing in Thai waters).
• Administrative Sanctions  Against 239 cases with penalties ranging from seizure of the vessels, confiscation of fishing gear and catch, revocation of fishing licenses, with fines over 1.1 million euros (43 million baht).
• Closing the Loopholes  The Royal Ordinance on Fisheries, revised last year, empowers Thai authorities to prosecute Thai fishing operators using foreign or stateless vessels for illegal fishing.  Transfer of ownership of vessels under prosecution to Thai national or foreign flags is now prohibited.
• Expedited Prosecution  On 29 January 2018, two new special panels of judges within Thai Criminal Court have been set up to handle illegal fishing cases.  Cases will have to beconcluded within 6 months of the charges being accepted.