The Tatmadaw (Navy) has conducted inspections to make sure no off-shore fishing vessels are operating on the sea during a three-month off season, in which all fishing operations must be suspended to preserve the fish population.

Fishing operations in offshore areas is forbidden from June 1 to August 31 to allow the fish to lay eggs or give birth to their offspring. During this 3-month period, however, vessels are allowed to operate near the shore (onshore), according to the Township Officer U Ko Lwin, of Ye Township Fishery Department.

“Tatmadaw (Navy) is given authority to check the fishing vessels operating near the shore or offshore. We have reported to the Tatmadaw (Navy) the list of vessels operating near and far from the shore, in our township. Based on the list, the Tatmadaw (Navy) can effortlessly identify which vessels are operating onshore or offshore,” said U Ko Lwin.

Under the instruction from the Fishery Department, the Tatmadaw (Navy) will check for fishermen cards, sailing orders, and prohibited fishing materials. If anything that does not comply with the instructions is found, the fishing vessels won’t be allowed to depart.

“By May 31, all 195 offshore fishing vessels were returned to the respective seaports. But in order not to have any fishing vessels operating offshore, the Tatmadaw (Navy) has been given responsibility and has been patrolling. I understand that in Mon State’s water territory, there are no more offshore fishing boats operating,” continued U Ko Lwin.

According to U Aung Kyaw Oo, chairperson of Fishery Operators, last year, 20% of the offshore fishery vessels were allowed to operate. However, this year, no vessel is allowed to operate. During this 3-month period, if the offshore fishing vessels proceed to fish, the operator will be charged, and the vessels will be taken away and sold, with the funds allocated to the public budget.

“If the fishing operators do not catch the fish offspring, in the next 3 months the fish will have matured and this will help boost the market. Although this will affect the livelihoods of the fishery workers, this can help make the country’s natural resource more abundant and bring development,” said U Aung Kyaw Oo.

Ye Township has 387 near-shore fishing boats and 195 offshore fishing vessels. The fishing vessels that are less than 30 ft in length with 25 horsepower engines are recognized as near-shore fishing vessels. Near-shore fishing operators are only allowed to fish within 10 miles of the shore.