Fisheries Industry: Fishing is banned for 2-3 months to preserve fish species

According to the research reports made by the Myanmar Department of Fisheries and Norwegian fisheries research experts, both shallow-sea and deep-sea fish resources and species are decreasing in the coalition sea territories.

In order to acquire consistent fishery resources in Myanmar territorial sea, fishing will be banned temporarily according to the types of business with the aim to preserve fish resources and fish species, similar to international practices.

Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries, Kawthaung District, Tin Htut said "Fishing boats which use fishing rafts and bamboo fishing traps will be banned from fishing for 2 months starting from May 1st to June 30th. Fishing boats which use gill-nets, drift nets, seine nets, fishing rods and cone-shaped nets will be banned from fishing for 3 months starting from April 1st to June 30th. All bans will be lifted from July 1st."

Despite banning on the fishing, over 2,000 fishing boats who make a living through fishing traditionally are still permitted to fish in Bokepyin Township of Kawthaung District.

The fisheries department called for cooperation of the marine business entrepreneurs for conservation of fishery resources.

Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries, Kawthaung District, Tin Htut said "The numbers of both shallow-sea and deep-sea fish are tremendously decreasing in Myanmar. Therefore, I would like to request the business owners to follow the law established by the Department of Fisheries and cooperate with us during the closed season to preserve the fish resources."

It is also learnt that fish hatchery stations around the country have been preserving fries every year except Taninthayi Region.