THE Ministry of Agri­culture, Livestock and Irrigation has warned that legal action will be taken against offshore and inshore fishing ves­sels found catching fish or prawns in inshore wa­ters under the pretext of sheltering from adverse weather.

To ensure the safe­ty of fishing vessels and crews during the mon­soon season, the Depart­ment of Fisheries has issued Directive 2/2026, designating shelter loca­tions where vessels may anchor during strong winds and rough seas. These sites are for shel­ter only, and any vessel found fishing while claim­ing to be taking refuge will face legal action.

The designated shelter loca­tions are Sittway Township, Pauk­taw Township, Kyaukpyu Township, Thandwe Township, Taungup Town­ship and Gwa Township in Rakh­ine State, Ngaputaw Township and Bogale Township in Ayeyawady Region, Ye Township in Mon State, and Launglon Township, Myeik Township and Kyunsu Township in Taninthayi Region. — ASH/ KZL