Suntree Pumpuang presented the background of the meeting and the objectives of the meeting as shown in the prospectus (Appendix 3). In addition, the DOF also informed Malaysia about the regular updating of Regional Fishing Vessel Records (RFVR) under the ASEAN-SEAFDEC mechanism. Kongpathai Sarapphainich provided an update on the strengthening of the Malaysian-Thailand partnership in support of joint fisheries planning and management in the western Gulf of Thailand.
During the discussion, DOF Thailand informed the meeting that the outcome of the investigation could be improved if there would be another similar activity in the future. Siriraksophon cited some of the findings of the study, such as the study of the abundance of longtail tuna in the Indian Ocean. The meeting was informed of the agreement reached during the 6th GOT meeting in 2017 that the SEAFDEC-Sweden project was requested to follow up with DOF Thailand the progress of the DNA study of Indo-Pacific Mackerel in the Gulf of Thailand.
DOF Malaysia has also considered several areas of cooperation for the Joint Action Plan (eg improving information sharing through focal persons).
Updated Agreed Joint Action Plan and Possible Areas of Cooperation under TWG (proposed MOU Agriculture) (proposed MOU Agriculture)
Siriraksophon, said ACDS was only an optional tool to combat IUU fishing - countries may or may not adopt the system. Therefore, they said ACDS, which includes fishing log book and catch documents, has been practiced in Thailand for a long time. DOF Thailand also mentioned that they have implemented the catch certificate not only to the EU but also to other destination countries.
According to the DOF Malaysia, the EU catch certificate system was used manually in their country. However, they were very enthusiastic to know the results of the pilot study on the electronic ACDS (e-ACDS) in Brunei Darussalam. In this regard, representatives of the DOF Thailand expressed their willingness to support the exchange of information on e-ACDS.
DOF Thailand informed the meeting that they have found solutions and cooperated with international agencies to resolve the issue of human trafficking.
Other Matters
Updated agreed joint action plan and possible areas of cooperation under the TWG (Proposed MOU Agriculture) (Proposed MOU Agriculture).
Summary and Ways Forward
Wanchana emphasized that the two countries agreed to rename two focal points, namely: the central point at the top management level and the other focal point, which will be responsible for coordinating regular data and information exchange and networking. Also, the representative from DOF Malaysia also emphasized that in the short term, the exchange of data and information should also cover the updated domestic fisheries legislation of both countries. As gear marking is also included in the discussion, the Meeting noted that in the future SEAFDEC/TD may consider supporting capacity building for gear marking in DOF Thailand and at the regional level.
Regarding the use of port facilities of neighboring countries, the representative of the DOF Malaysia explained that, except under force majeure, all Malaysian fishing vessels are not allowed to use foreign ports for any purpose whatsoever, including landing of catch, ship repair etc. , In this regards, DOF Malaysia requested DOF Thailand to refuse the use of their ports by Malaysian fishing vessel. The DOF Malaysia will officially request to DOF Thailand to refuse Malaysian fishing vessels' request to use Thailand's port facilities. Regarding the implementation of bilateral activities under this arrangement, the Assembly noted that parties need to make further domestic consultations and agreed for a rapid direct bilateral communication while keeping SEAFDEC in the loop.
However, the meeting noted that if there is no progress within three months of the meeting, SEAFDEC will remind both countries to implement the measures so agreed (Annex 17).
Closing of the Meeting
-mail: dpombejra@yahoo.com Dr. as a national contact point for the Gulf of Thailand sub-region). Distinguished delegates from Malaysia and Thailand, SEAFDEC officials, members of the Regional Fisheries Policy Network, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning. We are glad that you are here to participate in the second sub-regional technical meeting on effective fisheries management between Malaysia and Thailand.
During the 1st sub-regional technical meeting on effective fisheries management between Malaysia and Thailand held in Penang, Malaysia in 2014, we identified future areas of work between Malaysia and Thailand to promote effective fisheries management, including management of fishing capacity, issues on the of illegal and destructive fishing, and strengthening cooperation between the two countries on the management of transboundary fisheries resources in the waters bordering Malaysia and Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. I hope that we will have a friendly, open and harmonious discussion that leads to sustainable fisheries, not only for the two countries, but we will also be able to share with other ASEAN member countries. I look forward to the dedication and commitment of all participants to achieve our goals and expectations as outlined in the agenda of this meeting. Your active participation will surely enhance the cooperation we have started for the promotion of sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Thailand.
Status report (follow-up) on the joint action plan with special focus on fishing and habitat management in the area of the western Gulf of Thailand. The exploitation of the ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme (ACDS), including the testing of traceability systems relevant to fisheries in the Gulf of Thailand. Discussion on possible areas of cooperation under the Technical Working Group on Fisheries (TWGF) to be established under the MOU on Agricultural Cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
FOLLOW-UP NATIONAL INITIATIVES DURING MAY 2014-JUNE 2017 FOLLOW-UP NATIONAL INITIATIVES DURING MAY 2014-JUNE 2017
IUU Fishing
- Dual Flagging / Registration /
- Landing of Catches in the
- Encroachment by Foreign
- Improve Record of
Program of Key Issues of National Initiatives Status(√) Remarks. If ongoing, please describe such action briefly) Completed Ongoing. Malaysia had established 2 levels of National Committees on IUU fishing to raise the awareness of policy makers and decision makers as well as implementers, enforcers, regulators and scientists on IUU fishing. The first level is the Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and the second level is the Technical Committee chaired by the Director General of Fisheries Malaysia.
Malaysia will notify if there are any fishing vessels registered in Malaysia that have been granted special permission to land their catch abroad. Until now, all fishing vessels registered in Malaysia are allowed to land their catch only at designated ports / landing facilities in the country. Malaysia had sent a letter to all RPOA member countries, including Thailand (letter dated 11 March 2015, Ref: Prk.ML.10/02/55 Jld.
Malaysia controls the access of foreign-flagged fishing vessels to its ports through measures that include prior approval. Malaysia's exercise of port state measures is in accordance with international law and, where applicable, Malaysia implements specific port state measures adopted by RFMOs to which it is a party. Encourage private sector/public campaigns to refrain from purchasing IUU captured products and engaging in business transactions with persons involved in IUU fishing.
Malaysia is interested in full information on Malaysian vessels that have landed their catches in Thailand's fishing ports. 3. General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry and the second level is the technical level. The first level is the steering committee headed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry and the second level is the technical level.
Malaysia has just completed its national stock assessment and new scientific knowledge will help design more sound conservation and management measures. Key issues Program of National Initiatives Status(√) Comments. In case of in progress, please describe such action in brief) Complete In progress.
Trans boundary/
- Information on Stock Status
Data exchange between countries. see also question Landing of catch) √ (In progress). Malaysia supports the Regional Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Neritic Tunas in the ASEAN Region: Management Measures for Longtail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) and Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) Based on the 2016 Stock and Risk Assessment by SWG-Neritic Tunas. Malaysia has already developed SOPs on catch and landing records and is working with the MFRDMD to improve existing records through training and capacity building programs to increase the level of expertise among DOF staff.
FOLLOW-UP NATIONAL INITIATIVES DURING MAY 2014 – JUNE 2017 FOLLOW-UP NATIONAL INITIATIVES DURING MAY 2014 – JUNE 2017
National Initiatives Status Key Issues Program (√) .. 4 .Regular exchange of available information on NJUU fisheries ) between RFMO, RPOA-IUU (. Try to do in the past but the Malaysian side said that the MOU should done under the Ministry of Agriculture Work Framework 7. Encouraging the private/public campaign to refrain from buying IUU caught products and from conducting business transactions with individuals related to IUU fishing.
Only RFVR database system with length of 24m and above Need more time for amendment of Royal Fisheries Regulation 2015. At present full implementation on PSM even with neighboring countries. Try to do in the past, but the Malaysian side said that the MOU should be done under the framework of the Ministry of Agriculture. 1 .Develop SOP )improve the registration of catch and landing (for both countries 2 .Cooperation study in trans-.
3. Conduct technical consultations between Thailand and Malaysia to review scientific work done in each country and identify fish species of mutual interest and to create joint research programs. 1. Develop SOP ) improve catch and landing records (for both countries 2 . Collaborative research in trans. UPDATES ON STRENGTHENING MALAYSIAN AND THAI PARTNERSHIP IN SUPPORT OF JOINT FISHERIES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT.
USE OF ASEAN GROUP DOCUMENTATION SCHEMES (ACDS) INCLUDING FISHERIES RELEVANT TRACING SYSTEM TESTING.
FOLLOW - UP NATIONAL INITIATIVES FROM AUGUST 2017- ONWARDS
Joint Research Activities
Combat IUU-fishing
