Navy Third Commander Vice Admiral Sayan Prasongsomrit revealed that he dispatched a unit to investigate after learning that a fishing boat was using light luring purse seine nets near Koh Lon and Koh Hae in Rawai sub-district.
Boat 220 from the Marine Natural Coastal Resources was sent to the area, which is classed by Department of Coastal Marine and Natural Resources as a conservation area, and found the boat fishing for anchovies.
Navy officials seized the Thepsiripron 1 fishing boat along with its captain and crew who were taken to Chalong Police Station where they were to be charged with IUU fishing.
The Third Area Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Centre advise anyone out at sea to report any suspicious activity or any IUU fishing to them on their 24-hour hotline 076- 391598 or 076-393584.