3-month fishing ban imposed for conservation

The Department of Fisheries banned fishing for three months starting from 1 April during the fish spawning season, aiming to protect aquatic organism resources, and the fishing vessels returned to the jetties.
“The main reason for designating fishing ban seasons, periods, and zones is to prevent the depletion of fish species and to promote the growth of fishery resources. These measures are carried out as a conservation effort during the breeding season when fish reproduce. This action is based on research findings,” said U Zaw Min Oo, Deputy Director of the Myeik District Department of Fisheries.
All the fishing boats operating in offshore areas are prohibited from fishing during the non-fishing period and in no-fishing zones for three months from 1 April to 30 June, and they are instructed to return to the jetties no later than 31 March.
Those who fail to follow the instructions will face legal actions. The vessels are being monitored by the VMS Control Centre, and as of today, almost all vessels have returned, with very few remaining at sea.
The designation of fishing ban periods and zones is based on research conducted to conserve fish and aquatic resources during their breeding season. Studies on marine ecosystems, fish habitats, and fishery resources in Myanmar waters have been carried out by researchers. In February, a 30-day fishery resource survey was conducted in the Taninthayi coastal waters at depths of below 20 metres.
There are 1,186 offshore fishing vessels in Myeik District. With changes in systems of today, technological advancements, and improved living standards, modern fishing techniques are now widely used. Fishery products are processed using advanced technologies, exported domestically and internationally, and value-added products are produced through cold storage facilities, along with both surface and underwater fishery resources. — Khine Htoo(IPRD)/KTZH

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