The Department of Fisheries announced that poachers will be prosecuted under the Freshwater Fisheries Law if they catch berried lobsters.
The Department of Fisheries issued a notification not to catch, kill, transport, store, and trade giant prawns that are full of eggs from April to June.
If the ban is violated, action will be taken according to the provisions of the Freshwater Fisheries Law, stated the notification of the Department of Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.
There are thousands of giant prawns preparing to lay their eggs in rivers, streams and lakes across Myanmar.
It is known that due to the capture and killing of these giant prawns, the larvae cannot grow and the breeding grounds are destroyed.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of freshwater prawns, and to start protection for reproduction within the specified period of three months, it is urged to protect freshwater prawns that are spawning all over the country from April to the end of June.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the period from April to June 2023 is marked as the no-fishing season in Myanmar seas for three months.
If any provision of the Freshwater Fisheries Act is violated, offenders shall be subject to: –
(a) suspension and revocation or cancellation of the lease or tender licence;
(b) confiscation of fishing vessels, fishing equipment, fish and other evidence as public revenue, distribution or other appropriate management;
(c) the fishing vessel and fishing gear will be returned either to the person who has the right to work in the fishery business or the owner with a sufficient guarantee or allowed to resume operation;
(d) permit the owner or licensee to redeem the fishing vessel and fishing equipment on payment of an appropriate fine;
(e) proceeds from the sale and fines shall be deposited in the bank. —TWA/KZL
