The Fisheries Department has implemented seasonal closures in the waters to replenish marine resources during their reproductive seasons.
Freshwater fishing is prohibited from 1 May to 31 July this year. Saltwater shrimp harvesting is restricted from 1 June to 31 August, while lobsters, scorpion prawns, and mottled eels fishing is halted during the same period. Stonefish harvesting is also suspended from 1 July to 30 September.
U Nyunt Win, director of the Development and Research Division, said: “The nationwide prohibition aims to conserve the marine resources to prevent decline of these sources. This restriction occurs annually. Additionally, we will oversee offshore fishing vessels from other states and regions operating near the shore and enforce appropriate restrictions”.
The ban encompasses not only catching but also purchasing marine creatures. Despite Myanmar’s wealth of marine resources, mismanagement has led to significant waste. The authorities have taken measures in place to conserve the resources in time. — ASH/NT
