Thailand's eight fisheries-related organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable fisheries and safety on food production as well as to reduce barriers with trading partners.
Fisheries Department director-general Niwat Suteemechaikul witnessed the MoU ceremony for the eight producers and entrepreneurs of the fisheries industry.
These organisations are Thai Fishery Association, Thai Fishmeal Producers Association, Thai Feed Mill Association, Thai Frozen Foods Association, Thai Food Processors' Association, Thai Shrimp Association, Thai Tuna Industry Association, and Thai Overseas Fisheries Association.
The agreement's key message is to indicate standards that all associations are to strictly follow, particularly on the origin and the equipment of the fisheries sources, environmentally-friendly fisheries, legal labour hiring, and food safety.
Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, chairman of Thai Feed Mill Association said the MoU is to create a foundation for sustainable fisheries in the country, particularly on ecological system development.
The Fisheries Department and the Thai Fishery Association will be the main organisations dealing with the matter, including drafting regulations on fish-catching by fishing boats.
In 1995-2010, Thailand produced 3.2-4.1 million tonnes of fisheries products, while fisheries exports last year reached 1.9 million tonnes, worth Bt260 billion, according to Mr Niwat.
