Supporting for sustainable development of Myanmar Fisheries Sector
With 2,832 kilometres of coastline, Myanmar possesses rich marine fisheries resources and a high level of biodiversity. The fisheries sector is an important source of livelihood and food security in the country. This puts a special responsibility on Myanmar to protect the country’s unique ecosystem, as per the long-term vision of the Department of Fisheries: “to ensure a sufficiency of fish supplies not only for the present entire national people but also for future generations by conserving of the fisheries resources with sustainable fisheries at all times.”
On 3rd December 2019, high-level representatives from Myanmar (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation) and Norwegian Embassy, together with the FAO Representation, gathered in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, for an official presentation of the results of the marine ecosystem survey conducted with the research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen in the waters of Myanmar in 2018. This survey formed part of the regional coverage of marine resources and ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal, under the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)-Nansen Programme, executed by FAO with the support of the Norway Institute of Marine Research (IMR), and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). It was the third marine expedition in Myanmar’s waters in recent years, while the previous two took place in 2013 and 2015.
"Myanmar has a long fishing tradition/history, and the fishing sector plays a crucial role in securing food and livelihoods for its coastal population. But, our marine ecosystem is facing serious challenges due to population growth, urbanization and industrialization along the coast. Our seas are also highly susceptible to land-based pollution. Hence, we need to pay a great attention to prevent our marine living resources from over-exploitation," stressed, H.E. Dr. Aung Thu, The Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.
The 2018 at-sea expedition was part of the new phase of the Nansen Programme (2017 – 2021), focused on “Supporting the Application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management considering Climate and Pollution Impact.” In addition to providing key information on the fish abundance and distribution and the overall ecosystem, the 2018 survey was designed with a strong focus on fish early life stages. Sampling was further expanded to support the implementation of the EAF-Nansen Science Plan, in relation to marine debris and microplastics, ocean acidification, and food safety and nutrition. Analysis of critical habitats and areas, which serve as spawning and nursery grounds for young commercial species, was an additional important objective of this study.
The 2018 cruise took place from 24 August to 30 September 2018 and was organised in a close partnership between the EAF-Nansen Programme and the Department of Fisheries in Yangon. Several national universities (University of Yangon, Myeik, Pathein, and Mawlamyein) and local NGOs also joined. Overall, 25 scientists from Myanmar participated in the survey during the total of 36 days at sea. The area explored in 2018 included three main coastal zones of Myanmar: the Rakhine Coast, the Ayeyarwady Delta and Tanintharyi Coast. Altogether, 1,016 species were recorded/documented during the survey, and follow up work on specimen collected has resulted in the identification of a relatively high number of new fish populations.
Overall results of the 2018 Myanmar survey demonstrate that the ecosystem still shows strong signs of overfishing, with current biomass of demersal and pelagic stocks well below the levels indicated in the first surveys with the RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen in 1979-80. Management actions, such as reduction in fishing effort, are urgently required to rebuild overexploited stocks, as per Myanmar's long-term vision: "to ensure a sufficiency of fish supplies not only for the present entire national people but also for future generations, by conserving the fisheries resources with sustainable fisheries at all times."
Ms. Marianne Hagen, State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs of Norway stated, “The report from the Nansen survey launched today is an important contribution to the knowledge base necessary for applying the ecosystem approach to fisheries management here in Myanmar. The findings of survey in part show what workers in the Myanmar fishing industry have long known—that Myanmar has an extremely rich and varied marine ecology. Particularly notable is the high level of diversity found – over one thousand species were recorded during the survey. However, the survey also found that there are serious challenges to be addressed. It is crucial to take immediate steps to reverse this trend in order to ensure that Myanmar’s strong fishing economy will be sustainable over time.”
During the event, Ms Xiaojie Fan, FAO Representative in Myanmar, jointed by H.E. Ms Tone Tinnes Norwegian Ambassador to Myanmar, handed over the survey report that documents the work carried out and the main findings to the government of Myanmar for further implementation. The FAO Field Identification Guide to the Living Marine Resources of Myanmar was also delivered. Developed through a few years of joint efforts between FAO and the Department of Fisheries in Myanmar involving national and international experts and institutions, the Guide provides unique reference to the major taxonomic groups, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs, which can be encountered in the fisheries landings, on the market, and at sea.