Ministry officials say the decision is aimed at preserving fish, prawn and other marine resources while allowing national fishing operators to enjoy exclusive access to Myanmar waters.
The plan to suspend fishing rights to foreign fishing vessels will take effect as of April 1, 2014.
The decision follows a workshop on fishing rights permits held in Nay Pyi Taw in October, which placed considerable pressure on legislators to address the issue of fishing rights provided to foreign fishing boats. According to a Norwegian research project, there has been a gradual decline in fish, prawn, and other marine resources in Myanmar waters.
As of the current fiscal year, there are more than 60 foreign fishing boats on Myanmar waters under the fishing rights programme. Myanmar has earned more than US$ 13 million (Ks 12.63 billion) from foreign fishing permits, said the Fisheries department.
The law on fishing rights for foreign vessels has been on the books since 1989, when it was introduced by the new State Law and Order Restoration Council.
With foreign fishing rights officially banned, national fishing operators will soon gain the opportunity to reap the benefits of having exclusive access to Myanmar marine resources.
Fish and prawn caught from Myanmar waters are mainly exported to foreign countries.
source: Eleven Myanmar
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