Phuket’s Port in-Port out Control Center open for business

PHUKET: The Port in-Port out Control Center (PIPO) at the main fishing port in Phuket officially opened on Wednesday as a measure to help with Thailand’s crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishers.

The center is set up at the Coastal Fisheries Radio Station Phuket office near Rassada Pier.

“All 26 coastal fishery radio stations across the country opened their centers today [May 6], as Thailand is now looking to close legal loopholes and enforcement issues being abused by IUU fishers,” said Governor Nisit Jansomwong at the grand opening on Wednesday.

New regulations require fishing boats weighing 30 gross tonnes or more to report to the center 24 hours before departure and arrival in order to prepare required documentation. Currently, there are 148 fishing boats in Phuket that fit this description.

“This is part of Thailand taking the right steps to resolve issues with the operation of IUU fishing vessels. It will also give a positive boost to our fish-product export industry,” Governor Nisit added.

— Chutharat Plerin