Offshore fishing vessels set out to sea in Myeik District this month

About 50 per cent of offshore fishing vessels will be authorized to fish in Myeik District, Taninthayi Region in July, Myeik District Fisheries Department stated.
“The businesspersons asked for shifting fishing ban season amid the economic fallout triggered by the COVID-19 impacts. Consequently, fishing permits are to be granted this month. Only 50 per cent of fishing vessels will be considered for fishing,” said U Zaw Min Oo, head of Myeik District Fisheries Department.
The restriction period on fishing is set from 1 May to 31 July this year. The offshore fishing vessels are suspended completely.
This month, about 50 per cent of offshore fishing vessels will be allowed to go fishing, depending on fishing equipment.
There are more than 1,400 fishing vessels in Taninthayi Region, so over 700 will be authorized to set out to sea upon the approval of the Fisheries Department in cooperation with Myanmar Fisheries Federation. This move aims to ease the financial constraints during the COVID-19 crisis,” said U Zaw Min Oo.
Typically, the fishing season ban is set from June to August. Yet, about 50 per cent of offshore fishing vessels will be allowed to fish in July.
“I am happy with this exemption. It can help us allow to generate income for family living during difficult times,” said Ko Zaw Aung, a vessel operator.
There are five coastal areas (Yangon, Taninthayi and Ayeyawady regions and Mon and Rakhine states). Of them, Taninthayi is the longest coastal area of Myanmar, having about 3,400 fishing vessels. There are 1,400 offshore fishing vessels and 9,000 inshore vessels in Taninthayi Region. Over 100,000 workers are engaged in those vessels. — Myint Oo (Myeik)/GNLM