Revenue from auctioning of pond fishing licences in Mandalay Region increased by K140 million over last year’s figures, according to regional fisheries department staff officer, U Hla Win. According to him, 122 ponds were auctioned by the regional fisheries department at its branch in Nat Yay Kan, Amarapura townhship, from May 3 to 9 and 105 ponds were sold. Figures from the statistics department show that over K400 million was received from ponds that were sold through tender blocks and over K130 million was received from 96 other ponds. U Hla Win said, The revenue received this year was more than last year. One of the reasons is the increased licensing fees. The remaining 17 ponds are to be auctioned. More revenue is expected to be collected from them. The 17 ponds are located in Myingyan, Kyaukse and Pyin Oo Lwin townships and will be auctioned during the last week of this month. Between K50 and K100 million is expected from those ponds, according to U Hla Win. Only K390 million was received at last year’s pond auction. However, the licensing fees was increased this year and resident fishermen formed groups and made bids at the auction.