The production of seashell ornaments has dropped as the population of shellfish shrinks due to excessive and irresponsible fishing, according to the residents of Thandwe Township, Rakhine State. The region’s famous beach, Ngapali, is known for fishermen who make a living by selling necklaces, bracelets and various accessories designed with seashells. But the residents said they have noticed fewer and fewer shells being washed ashore each day. A decade ago we used to collect more than 10 to 15 cans full of seashells every day. Our daily income from seashell ornaments was about Ks8,000 (US$6). Now we barely collect five cans of shells each day. The shellfish have become fewer in number because some businessmen have used explosives and poison to catch fish near coral reefs, said Nyi Lay, resident of Ngapali. Htun Min, shell-ornament store owner, said: We also ship seashell ornaments to Kyaikhteeyoe, Poppa and Mandalay where tourists usually visit. As the raw materials become more scarce, the profits have dropped. We used to make Ks150 on each shell but now we make barely Ks30. Excessive fishing has been long criticised in coastal regions of the country. Chief Minister Dr Lae Lae Maw of Taninthayi Region called for strict action against illegal fishing off her coast. There are many cases of illegal fishing and dynamite fishing. Blast fishing causes heavy damage to coral reefs – people really do not understand about blast fishing. They sell the fish acquired through blast fishing in Thailand, yet I believe it should be banned urgently. said Lae Lae Maw. She added that Taninthayi Region had about 3,000 unlicensed fishing boats and that those numbers should be controlled immediately.