The fisheries federation has mapped out three breeding zones to be set up in the future. The plan is to establish three breeding zones on 10,000 acres of land in Yangon Region to produce fishery products, according to U Hnin Oo, vice chair of Myanmar Fisheries Federation. After consultations with the regional government, we have roughly planned to create breeding zones. There are many steps to be taken after ground inspection, he said. The vice chair added that the land proposed to be allocated for the prospective zones need to be inspected and then its suitability will be examined. If the land is fit for purpose, the implementation will begin immediately. Compared to neighbouring countries, marine and fishery exports from Myanmar are fewer in quantity. Hence, a sound breeding industry is necessary to develop the sector and increase the exports. On December 1, the state-owned newspaper announced that the three breeding zones will be set up to produce exports for the international market. In those zones, modern packaging and cold storage facilities will also be included for fish and prawn exports. For the year 2016-17, May, June and July were months in which deep-sea fishing vessels were all banned from operations and 70pc of the area was categorised as non-fishing area, according to the fisheries department. The duration of fishing restriction and non-fishing area for the coming year will be determined by the Fisheries Department after consultation with businesses and experts. The annual revenue for Myanmar’s marine and fishery exports is between US$650 and 700 million, according to the announcement.
2017 The Myanmar Times