Authorities are struggling to issue fishing licenses in strife-torn Arakan State, according to U Soe Naing, head of the Department of Fisheries in the state.

The department issues fishing licenses, but at present staff are unable to travel to conflict-affected parts of the state due to lack of security, U Soe Naing told DMG.

“It is impossible for staff to go to these areas currently,” he said.

He added that the difficulties in issuing fishing licenses negatively impacts the country’s revenue generation.

Fishermen are also struggling to catch fish for similar security reasons, as fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army has affected their safety out on the water.

“We’ve faced difficulty and so have these fishermen,” U Soe Naing said. “They have taken refuge from the fighting in some places.”

There were more than 8,000 registered onshore fishing vessels and 48 registered offshore fishing vessels in Arakan State in 2019. Illegal fishing has declined in the state since 2017, according to the department.