November 01

This year’s offshore fishing season has brought substantial economic benefits due to effective fishing operations thanks to the government-provided diesel fuel. With the improved catch compared to last year, offshore fishing boats are actively operating off Yangon’s coast, 15 to 20 nautical miles from the shore. From August to late October, bountiful catches of fish and shrimp were reported in waters near Rakhine State, Ayeyawady Region, Yangon, Gulf of Mottama, Dawei, Myeik, and Kawthoung.

Chairman of the Offshore Fishing Vessel Association U Maung Maung Soe shared that Rakhine’s yields have been especially fruitful. Following the Ayeyawady Region’s closure of fishing areas on 19 October, its vessels shifted focus, catching and selling fish and shrimp to pre-contracted company ports. He noted that operators are finally seeing improved income and expressed appreciation for the government’s diesel sales programme, which has enabled critical continuity in operations.

Seafood from offshore operations in Yangon is sold at ten local ports, with 70 per cent of the total harvest sent to China through company processing plants and cold storage facilities. Key exports include ten types of fish, such as anchovies, mackerel, and five types of shrimp. Myanmar’s coastal waters currently host about 3,000 offshore and 20,000 inshore fishing vessels, with nearly 700 of Yangon’s 1,000 vessels actively at sea. From the Taninthayi Region, caught seafood is also exported to Ranong, Thailand, while seafood from Ayeyawady and Mon State reaches Yangon’s ports.

The fishing season, which is suspended from April to June, resumed in July, and the high yield this year has significantly boosted both incomes and operational sustainability for fishing vessel owners. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KZL