The local fishery producers called for a reduction on the duration of fishing bans during the meeting of Myanmar Fishery Federation

At a meeting of the Myanmar Fishery Federation, local fishery producers called for a reduction on the fishing ban period, which was placed during the breeding season in order to protect fishery resources.

Unlike previous years, the government has completely banned fishing along Myanmar’s coastal area between June and August. U Tun Sein, the General Secretary of Myanmar Fish Paste, Dried Fish, Fish Sauce Entrepreneurs Association, said that the ban is causing a hardship on those in the industry because there is no a very limited supply of raw materials.

He said: “While the ban has no impact on business owners, it causes trouble for workers who are depending on the industry for their kids and their kids’ education. Therefore, we want to request that the government only hold the ban in force for two months instead of three next year. This year, the government placed a complete ban for three months, which has caused problems for the industry.”

Back in 2013, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation started placing bans on fishing in certain areas in order to preserve the volume of fish and protect endangered species.

Furthermore, stakeholders in the industry have also pointed out that the government needs to do research and publish data on how levels of the fish supply are holding up, as well as how endangered species in those waters are faring.

The government placed a ban on fishing in 50 percent of the country’s sea territory in FY 2014-2015, 90 percent during FY 2015-2016, 70 percent in FY 2016-2017, and 80 percent in FY 2017-2018.

(Myanmar Business Today: https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/fishery-producers-call-reduction-duration-fishing-bans )

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