Myanmar Sustainable Aquaculture Programme (MYSAP) 2017 - 2022 will be implemented by the Fisheries Department and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) to support aquaculture research and increase fish production in Shan State

The Myanmar Sustainable Aquaculture Programme (MYSAP) will push for aquaculture research and increased production of fish in Shan State. Although the state has the resources, it is not yet self-sufficient in fish production and has to rely on supply from other regions, according to the MYSAP.
The Thanlwin River and its tributary, and the Inle Lake are the main fish resources in Shan State. As production in the state is not enough to meet the demand, it usually depends on Yangon, Mandalay, and Ayeyawady regions for supply of fish, according to the MYSAP.
The MYSAP 2017-2022 is being jointly implemented by the Fisheries Department and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). The project has received 22.25 million euros in funding from the European Union and the GIZ.
In Shan State, the MYSAP will focus on activities to develop fisheries and boost production to help fulfil the requirements of small fish production businesses and the market.
“Starting from the first year of the MYSAP, we have been conducting programmes on nutrition, food security, and self-sufficiency, along with vocational training. We have joined hands with related organizations to conduct the Shan State Forum for Sustainable Fish Production regularly,” said Peter Buri, the head of the MYSAP.
The MYSAP and the Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD) are jointly drafting the National Aquaculture Development Plan (NADP). To discuss challenges and invite suggestions for the NADP, the First Shan State Forum for Sustainable Fish Production was held at Taunggyi University last Thursday.
The forum was jointly organized by the Shan State Fisheries Department, the Taunggyi University, the CESD, the Shan State Fishery Federation, and World Fish. The forum aimed to connect fish farmers who have limited access to fish farming technology.
“The stakeholders in the aquaculture sector in Shan State rarely meet to discuss current challenges and possible cooperation. The state’s Fisheries Department is supporting the first Shan State Forum for Sustainable Fish Production to establish a platform for cooperation on research and development activities among the aquaculture stakeholders in the state,” said U Tin Htun Linn, the Director of the Department of Fisheries, Shan State.
The Taunggyi University will play a critical role in conducting research and development activities for sustainable fish production in the state.
“The Zoology Department of the university will conduct research on hatchery production methods, biodiversity, and aquaculture at the Inle Lake. We will also explore market competitiveness between mrigal and carp found in the lake,” said Professor Daw Nwe Nwe San from the university’s Zoology Department.
The MYSAP seeks to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, and help it realize its potential for supporting food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

(Global New Light of Myanmar: http://www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/mysap-to-help-boost-fish-production-in-shan-state/ )

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