Chi stressed the importance of recognizing the distinct operational
protocols inherent to different segments of the fishing industry, including
purse seine vessels, squid jiggers, and smaller nearshore boats, all of which
warrant safeguarding. He noted that while government initiatives such as
the installation of Wi-Fi and CCTV are aimed at improving the protection
of fishers’ rights, they often overlook the obligations that fishers are
expected to fulfill.
The industry has exhibited various perspectives regarding the
proposed requirement for CCTV aboard fishing vessels. Kung Kun-tung,
Chairman of Donggang Hohai Fisheries, endorsed CCTV, suggesting that
it could supplant traditional paper-based timekeeping methods by more
effectively monitoring crew work and rest periods. This could help mitigate
potential misunderstandings stemming from different languages or the
noisy conditions prevalent during check-in and check-out.
Conversely, some operators have expressed concerns about the
substantial maintenance costs of CCTV and other electronic systems. The
lack
of
comprehensive
regulations
and
guidelines
for
proper
implementation also imposes additional challenges on vessel owners. Chi
pointed out that devices such as punch clocks are prone to frequent
malfunctions and require two or three replacements annually. For example,
squid-jigging boats frequently need to replace one-third of their CCTV
cameras after each trip due to exposure to outdoor conditions. Wi-Fi
connectivity also poses difficulties; antennas and routers are susceptible to
damage, and the monthly service fees can range from USD $899 to $2,000.
Ultimately, these financial burdens and consumable costs fall squarely on
the shoulders of vessel owners.
Lin Han-yu, Director of the Taiwan Tuna Association (TTA),
underscored that no one can guarantee how long a hard drive will last in
harsh marine conditions. Yet current regulations mandate that working
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