Krabi Marine Police found a tour boat with a converted hull to trap fish inside a glass tank after pictures of the boat were posted online, said Eakkapop Thongtub from The Phuket News.
The boat was found moored at Ao Tonsai in the Nopparattara National Park of Krabi province.
Police carried out a search of the vessel, “The Ocean Underworld”, and questioned its crew members. The boat belongs to Nicom Ocha, a businessman who owns the Phi Phi Cruisers Company in Phuket.
“This act is considered to be against the Marine Park Acts and has broken the Endangered Species Protection Act,” Nopparattara Park chief, Chaiyathatch Boonphupantonti said yesterday.
It is alleged that the tour boat lures fish into the hull of the boat with food and then closes the tank. Tourists are then allowed to swim with the fish.
The fish are released at the end of each day.
Officials checked the bottom of the boat via a small walkway inside the vessel and thirteen tourists were viewing the fish when officers arrived.
The marine authorities have advised the owner that he is not using the boat in accordance with its registration papers and he will have to pay a THB10,000 fine.
Park officials will also carry out an investigation to see if there is a case for encroachment due to the fact the boat is always moored in the national park.
Story: The Phuket News
