The document discusses the history and development of Myanmar's fisheries sector. It notes that fisheries provide an important source of protein and livelihoods. The sector is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and the Department of Fisheries. Freshwater fisheries have historically focused on the country's extensive river systems. The sector has developed in recent decades, with aquaculture production growing dramatically after legal reforms in the 1990s. International organizations and the Myanmar Fisheries Federation also play roles in supporting the fisheries sector.

1. 20
CHAPTER (3)
FISHERIES SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN MYANMAR
In this chapter, comprised with history of fisheries sector in Myanmar, fisheries
policies and legal framework, about Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation,
Department of Fisheries, and NGOs in Myanmar fisheries sector, yearly production, export
quantity and value of fisheries in Myanmar.
3.1 History of Fisheries Sector in Myanmar
The fishery sector is considered as the most important one after the agriculture
sector to fulfill the protein requirement of the people of Myanmar and to provide the food
security as well as to get the opportunity for the employment to a large number of fishery
communities and rural dwellers. Moreover, fish is second only to rice in the Myanmar diet
(FAO, Fisheries Statistic 2012).
Myanmar is endowed with rich natural resources both in freshwater and marine
fisheries. Nowadays, the increasing pressures from industrial and urban development and
increased demand for fish and fishery products owing to population growth as well as
global climate change can cause for damage to degradation of ecosystems including
fisheries resources. The development of aquaculture has been seen to be one of the best
solutions to the problem. The positive side is that the geo-ecological climate of the country
is generally favorable for aquaculture development.
The freshwater fisheries water means water, pond, course, river, stream and lake
which is of a permanent to temporary nature and in which fish live and thrive and which is
situate within the inland boundary along the sea coast of Myanmar. Myanmar is endowed
with Freshwater resources composed of riverine and estuarine system. Its extensive river
system comprise Ayeyarwaddy River which is about 2,170 km long and its tributaries are
the Chindwin about 960 km long and Sittaung (560km) and Then Lwin (1300km). These
riverine and estuarine systems provide for the nursery and spawning ground of fish which
is main staple food of Myanmar people. Most of Myanmar people who live in rural area
can access easily fishing in their place which is near creek or river, lake, flood area for their

2. 21
daily food. The fish provide as source of protein and very cheap or free nutrition for rural
people in their whole life time as a gift of nature.
According to historical records, Myanmar fisheries were conducted in seasonal
flood plains and permanent inland water bodies (Inn) during the Kingdom of Ava (1800s).
Fishing rights as leased by fixed rental fees. In 1930s, Colonial period, fisheries revenue
were 7.5% of the total land revenue and employed more than 70,000 workers. In socialist
period, The 1931 Census of Burma, reported that the industry employed 55 000 full time
fishers as well as 16,000 part-time. According to the Department of Fisheries,
administration of aquaculture originated in 1954 when the Agriculture and Rural
Development Corporation (ARDC) set up an Aquaculture Section, starting with a station
in Yangon. In 1962, the People’s Pearl and Fisheries Corporation was established under
Ministry of Cooperatives. In 1964, common carp were introduced from Israel and Indonesia
for aquaculture. Their growth rate was greater and they proved popular for culture. In 1967,
with the support of FAO, induced breeding of Rohu was established. After 1988, the State
Law and Order Restoration Council introduced “open-door policy”. In 1990 hybrid Clarias
was introduced to Myanmar and in 1994 Pangasius culture was initiated. 1990-94 there was
eight fisheries Joint Venture Cooperation (JVC) between Myanmar Fisheries Enterprise
and foreign based fisheries companies. Since after SLORC government acted the
Aquaculture Fisheries Law 1989, aquaculture sector has been growth dramatically year by
year. Consequences of this government endorsement, aquaculture production is rapidly
developed 5 times more within 5 years. Aquaculture sector produced only 70,911 Metric
Ton in 2000-2001 but it became 351,894 Thousand Metric Tons in 2005-2006.
Freshwater aquaculture development can be categorized by periods as follows:
1954 to 1970: Freshwater fish culture was initiated with exotics species like Gouramy,
Tilapia and Common Carp that were not so much favorite among farmers. In 1967, induced
breeding on Rohm was successful. However, that period can be identified as early period
of freshwater aquaculture.
1971 to 1989: During to this period, seed production of major carps, Chinese carps and
other commercially important species was succeeded. Freshwater fish culture became
popular among the farmers.
1990 to 1999: The law relating to aquaculture was promulgated by the State Law and Order
Restoration Council as development of freshwater aquaculture was accelerated due to law
enforcement.

3. 22
2000 to 2006: Development of freshwater aquaculture is at its highest level. New
technology on Pegasius farming through steel screen cages in the rivers has been introduced
and perform high production. Also technology on seed production and grow-out culture of
mono-sex Tilapia has been widely established.
3.2 Fisheries Policies and Legal Framework
The government has set “National Policy on Fisheries Sector” as follow
(1) Promote all round development in the fisheries sector
(2) Increase fish production for domestic consumption and share the surplus with
neighboring country
(3) Encourage the expansion of marine and freshwater aquaculture
(4) Upgrade the socioeconomic status of the fisheries communities.
Ministry Policy: Food security and food safety in Livestock and Fishery Sector and
implementation of sustainable development of rural area. In fisheries, our vision is to ensure
the sufficiency of fish supplies not only for the present entire people but also for future
generations.
As the legal framework, Fisheries Law has been enacted since 1905 in colonial
period. After independent, 1954 Fisheries Law has been enacted that derives from 1905
Fisheries Law. In later repealed, substitute and/ or amending with following laws.
1. Law relating to the fishing rights of foreign fishing vessels (1989)
2. Aquaculture Fisheries Law (1989)
3. Myanmar Marine Fisheries Law (1990)
4. Freshwater Fisheries Law (1991)
5. Law amending the law relating to the fishing rights of foreign fishing vessels (1993)
6. Law amending the Myanmar Marine Fisheries Law (1993)
Other regulations are
(1) Regulation for the Importation of Animals
(2) Procedure for Import & export of Animals, Animal Products, Veterinary Medicine,
Animal Feed and Veterinary Equipment/ Farm Equipment.
The main objectives of these laws are
i) To prevent fisheries from extinction
ii) To safeguard and prevent the destruction of fisheries water and environment

4. 23
iii) To obtain duties and fees payable to the State
iv) To extend fisheries management activities in accordance with the law.
v) According to these laws, Department of Fisheries is the institutional body to limit
fishing grounds, fishing methods and catch volume for the fishing rights operations.
3.3 Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation in Myanmar
The development of livestock and fisheries sectors of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar was undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry up to the fiscal year
of 1982-1983. Ministry of the Livestock and Fisheries was particularly organized on 15
March, 1983. With Order No. (3/2016) dated (30-3-2016) of President Office, the ministry
name has been renamed to Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation DOF,
(Fisheries Statistic 2016). Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation were formed
by following departments.
1. Department of Planning
2. Department of Agriculture
3. Department of Agricultural Research
4. Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistics
5. Water Resource Utilization and Irrigation Department
6. Yezin Agricultural University
7. Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank
8. Agricultural Farm Mechanization Department
9. Department of Rural Development
10. Livestock and Veterinary Department
11. Fisheries Department
12. Cooperatives Department
13. Small Scale Industries Department
Vision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation is “In line with
Millennium Development Goal, our ministry aims to develop rural area, to improve
socioeconomic life for rural people and to narrow down the development gap between
urban and rural areas”. Polices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation are
“to be sustainable rural development, to be food security, to be food safety”.
Main national management priorities include:
- To strive for all around development of fish and meat production sectors
- To make arrangements to increase investment in fisheries and livestock

5. 24
- To improve the socio-economic standard of farmers raising and producing
livestock, fish, and prawns, under the leadership of the government.
3.4 Department of Fisheries (DOF)
The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and
Irrigation is the main government institution. The Department undertakes all round
fisheries development and extend management to commercial fisheries activities including
exports. The head office dedicates fisheries administrations to the provincial offices in
States and Regions to Township level fisheries offices. Provincial governments can draft
their own fresh water fishing laws and generally employ a good number of people, although
they can do little to influence national level fisheries policy.
Figure (3.1) Organizational Structure of Development of Fisheries, Myanmar
Source: DOF Statistic 2016
The responsibilities of DOF for development and management in fisheries are as
follows;
(1)Conservation and rehabilitation of fishery resources;
(2)Promotion of fisheries researches and surveys;
(3)Collection and compilation of fishery statistics and information;
(4)Extension services;

6. 25
(5)Supervision of fishery sectors;
(6)Sustainability of fishery resources;
Department of Fisheries has formed by 2469 staff that 365 officer and 2104 other
in 2016. Director General is highest official in Department and divided by five division;
- Admin& Finance Division
- Aquaculture Division
- Research& Development Division
- Fishery Management Division
- States, Regions& Autonomous Region.
3.4.1 Aquaculture Division
Aquaculture Division comprises with three sections such as Fish and Shrimp
Culture Section, Aquatic Animal Health and Disease Control Section and Water Quality
Management Freshwater Fish Research Section. Aquaculture Division is responsible for
producing good quality fish and prawn/shrimp seeds for the fish farmers, to ensure
replacement of fish and prawn seeds into the natural water reservoir and men-made water
bodies, to conduct research on marine and fresh- water aquaculture, to educate and transfer
technologies of aquaculture to fish farmers and to conduct environment-friendly
aquaculture methods for sustainable fisheries development.
Duty and function of Aquaculture Division are;
a. To ensure conservation of fisheries or aquatic resources not to be depleted,
b. Monitoring, control and given good management and regulation on aquaculture
industry,
c. Strengthening good management for the development of environment-friendly
aquaculture system and the encourage of cultured based capture fisheries to increase of fish
production,
d. Issuing the amendment of aquaculture laws, legislation and regulation as requirement in
line with modernized technologies, location and duration,
e. Supervision of expertise for the establishment of short-term and/or long-term aquaculture
development programs,
f. Data collecting, recording and analyzing on fish production and utilization of fisheries
resources, and aquatic biodiversity related to aquaculture in national water body,
g. Applying the international improved aquaculture system and ASEAN guidelines
compliance with Myanmar weather and environmental conditions,

7. 26
h. Support to conduct training and capacity building of skillful technology and techniques
of aquaculture systems,
i. Seeking the improved technologies and providing extension and training for sustainable
development and expanding of aquaculture industry as a whole,
j. Implementing and managing to be able to fully imposing of revenue for aquaculture taxes,
k. Regularly observing the aquaculture industry development as a whole and recording and
reporting the extraordinary phenomenon of climate change impacts on aquaculture industry
to higher authorities.
3.5 Stakeholders Organizations in Fisheries Sector
The stakeholder organizations are played a major roles in Myanmar fisheries sector
development. They are Myanmar Fisheries Federation and local organizations,
international organizations and local stakeholders.
3.5.1 Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF) and Local Organizations
The MFF was founded in 1989 as a national-level, not-for-profit, non-
governmental organization whose goal is to encourage and promote Myanmar’s fishing
industry. It provides recommendation to the Department of Fisheries for the grant of license
on newly establishment aquaculture and also to Livestock and Fisheries Bank to disburse
loans for aquaculture extension. MFF composed of relevant associations such as fisheries
exporters, fish farmers, shrimp farmers, crab exporters, eel exporters, ornamental fish
growers and aquatic animal feed producers etc. It was constituted as a member of the
ASEAN Fisheries Federation in 2002.
There are nine functional associations under the MFF’s umbrella: Myanmar Shrimp
Association; Myanmar Fish Farmers Association, Myanmar Fishery Products Processors
and Exporters Association, Myanmar Aqua-feed Association; Myanmar Marine Fisheries
Association; Myanmar Freshwater Capture Fisheries Association; Myanmar Crab
Entrepreneurs Association; Eel Entrepreneurs Association; Ornamental Fish Entrepreneurs
Association. Together, the umbrella organization has 33,535 members.
MFF assists in application of members to DOF to undertake fisheries and
aquaculture activities, endorsing application to Myanmar Livestock and Fisheries
Development Bank for fishery loan, negotiating with relevant ministry, departments and
local authority on fishery related matter, promoting fishery trade collectively. Moreover,
MFF assist to Department of Fisheries for efficient management in aquaculture sector.

8. 27
MFF holds weekly discussions with fisheries entrepreneurs and conducts training courses
and seminars, particularly on aquaculture improvement. They also provide funding for
fisherman experiencing hardship from natural disasters and provides students with
scholarships to study fishery training.
3.5.2 International Organizations
International Cooperation in Fisheries Sector can be categorized as follow;
- International cooperation: FAO
- Regional Cooperation: ASEAN, NACA, SEAFDEC, BOBLME,WORLDFISH,
IOSEA, FFI, WCS
- Bi-lateral cooperation: KOICA, JICA , ACIAR, Italy, EU, Netherlands, Norway,
Denmark
- Short term trainings : China , India , Singapore , Thailand
If categorized by the intervention area of Fishery Related Organizations, there was
no organization intervene in the field of Finance and Coastal Aquaculture (DOF, Nyunt
Win, 2015). Indeed, access to finance is the most important challenge for aquaculture sector
and it needs to highlight.
3.5.3 Local Stakeholders
Nearly all fishing communities have a local organization representing the fishermen
who live and fishing in the area. These local fishing associations act as a collective voice
for local fisherman for lobbying the State and even National governments. They do not
have any official decision-making power but have significant unofficial influence over
fishing in their areas; the head of these associations are usually very well respected on the
village level. The township governments are much smaller and possess little decision-
making power but need to grant permission to any enterprise seeking to fish its waters but
ultimate approval rests on the provincial government. Ministry of Planning and Finance
controls regional and township budget allocations, state and local Township governments
need to request funds for projects, development, etc. The General Administrative
Department (GAD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs is an influential sub-national body,
particularly for small business and programs, as they are charged with directly overseeing
the implementation of higher level projects as well as providing recommendations for
licenses and permits, such as construction and operating permits.

9. 28
3.6 Fishery Sector Development in Myanmar
The type of fisheries in Myanmar is determined by nature of catch. It can be
classified into freshwater fisheries and marine fisheries. Freshwater fisheries consists of (a)
aquaculture, (b) leasable, (c) open fisheries.
Marine fisheries include (a) inshore fisheries and (b) off-shore fisheries. In the
inshore fisheries, the fishing boats operate within from shoreline to (10) nautical miles. In
this area, the fishing boat which is built by traditional type with not more than 30 feet long
or using less than a 25 HP engine power, operates for fishing. The fishing gears for using
are driftnet, gillnet and long line. In offshore fisheries, the offshore fishing vessels operate
beyond from outer limit of the inshore fishing zone to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The fishing vessels are more than 30 feet long or using more than 25 HP engine operating
in offshore area. In this area, the commercial fishing gears are trawl net, purse seine, and
long line.
Table (3.1) Fisheries Production in Myanmar 2000 to 2016
(Thousands of Metric Ton)
Year
Marine
Fisheries
Fresh Water Fisheries (% of total)
Total
Production
(Thousands of
Metric Ton)
Aquacultur
e
Leasable
Fisheries
Open
Fisheries
MT % MT % MT % MT %
2000-01 930 74 116 9 91 7 114 9 1250
2005-06 1358 53 575 22 153 6 478 19 2564
2006-07 1525 53 616 22 170 6 548 19 2860
2007-08 1690 53 688 22 191 6 625 20 3194
2008-09 1868 53 775 22 210 6 690 19 3542
2009-10 2061 53 859 22 237 6 765 20 3922
2010-11 2170 52 830 20 250 6 913 22 4163
2011-12 2333 52 899 20 283 6 964 22 4478
2012-13 2484 53 929 20 290 6 1013 21 4716
2013-14 2702 54 964 19 304 6 1077 21 5048
2014-15 2854 54 1000 19 315 6 1148 22 5317
2015-16 2997 54 1014 18 339 6 1242 22 5592
Source: DOF Fisheries Statistics 2000 to 2016
The total reported output and share of production from each of these is presented in
Table 3.1 shows that Myanmar fisheries production 5591.83 thousand metric tons of fish
and fish products. This data shows total fish production growth rate is 447% between 2000-
2001 (1250.35 Mt) and 2015-2016 (5591.83 Mt). It means that 4.5 times more within 15

10. 29
years. But Aquaculture growth rate is 878% between 2000-2001 (115.58 Mt) and 2015-
2016 (1014.42 Mt). It means that 9 times more within 15 years. It cannot be deny that
dramatically development of the aquaculture sector.
The production of aquaculture was 1.0 million metric tons (18% of the total fish
production), leasable fisheries 0.3 million MT (6% of total production), open fisheries 1.2
million MT (22% of total production) and the production of marine fish was 3.00 million
metric tons (54% of the total production of fish in Myanmar). The exported amount of fish
and fishery product was (0.369) million metric tons and the value of which was (502.36)
million in US$ in 2015-2016. It was exported to (42) different countries. The exported
amount was (7%) of the total production of fish in Myanmar and remain 93 % consume
domestic in 2015-2016.
Table (3.2) Production of Fish and Prawns by States and Regions
(Thousands Metric Ton)
States/
Regions
2000-01 2005-06 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-142014-15 2015-16
Kachin 7 19 29 28 30 31 32 34
Kayah 0.0 0.7 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.5
Kayin 3 9 15 16 17 19 21 23
Chin 0.1 0.7 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.8 1.9 2.1
Sagaing 26 57 93 109 113 115 127 138
Taninthayi 504 769 1146 1236 1336 1497 1604 1739
Bago 61 214 343 383 390 412 427 468
Magway 5 9 16 18 18 18 18 19
Mandalay 25 45 75 72 77 73 74 75
Mon 43 147 270 300 282 284 284 277
Rakine 98 158 249 265 265 270 278 280
Yangon 65 244 369 398 433 466 501 539
Shan 3 6 10 10 11 11 11 20
Ayeyarwaddy 441 898 1536 1629 1734 1833 1923 1963
Nay Pyi Taw 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.0 4.5 4.5 4.4
Total
1,280 2,575 4,153 4,470 4,708 5,038 5,307 5,582
Source: DOF statistic data 2005-2016 and CSO-2016
Table (3.2) shows the production of Fish and Prawns by States and Regions within
2000 to 2016. Ayeyarwaddy Region is highest production as 1,963 Thousands Metric Tons
and Tanithayi Region is second 1,739 Thousands Metric Tons and Yangon Region 539
Thousands Metric Tons, Bago 468 Thousands Metric Tons, Rakhine 280 Thousands Metric
Tons and Mon 277 Thousands Metric Tons relatively. Tanithayi, Rakhine and Mon are the

11. 30
mostly produce in Marine Fisheries. If ranking for aquaculture, Ayeyarwaddy, Yangon and
Bago are high rank in the aquaculture production respectively. Chin and Kayah are least
production than other states and regions and produce only under two thousands metric ton
each. Nay Pyi Taw has just started in 2011, it produced four thousands metric ton on 2016.
Table (3.3) Fisheries Export (Quantity, Thousand Metric Ton) & (Value, US$ Million)
No Year
(Thousand Metric Ton) Value, US$ Million
Fish
%
Prawn
%
Others
%
Total
Fish
%
Prawn
%
Others
%
Total
1 2000-01 64 13 23 147 37 48 15 218.29
2 2001-02 69 11 21 202 104 94 54 251.53
3 2002-03 64 11 25 213 143 105 69 317.38
4 2003-04 61 11 28 205 62 78 24 163.78
5 2004-05 62 9 28 256 162 114 71 346.92
6 2005-06 64 9 28 271 180 105 74 359.20
7 2006-07 69 7 23 343 241 122 104 466.16
8 2007-08 70 6 24 352 315 110 136 561.02
9 2008-09 72 6 22 325 273 89 121 483.23
10 2009-10 74 5 21 375 310 56 130 496.59
11 2010-11 73 5 22 374 342 69 144 555.51
12 2011-12 73 5 22 387 396 86 171 653.85
13 2012-13 71 5 25 377 378 89 186 652.84
14 2013-14 69 5 27 345 287 62 187 536.27
15 2014-15 67 5 28 338 259 57 167 482.25
16 2015‐16 67 4 29 372 274 50 179 502.63
Source: DOF fisheries statistics 2010-2016 and previous studies data (2000-2005)
Table (3.3) shows the quantity of Fisheries Export (Thousand Metric Ton) to all
countries that including fish, prawn and other fisheries products. It can be indicated that
total volume is increasing about two times fold. There were 146.94 metric ton in 2000-2001
and 371.67 metric ton exported in 2015-2016. Moreover, this analyze shows that prawn
production is decrease about half, although 19.79 thousand MT produced in 2000-2001 but
decrease to 13.67 thousand MT only in 2015-2016. The exported amount of fish and fishery
product was (0.371) million metric tons. But on the other hand, fish export is increase about
2.5 times. There was only 93.78 thousand MT exported in 2000-2001 but 249.67 thousand
MT exported in 2015-2016. Remarkable highest export within 15 years is 283.69 thousand
MT in 2011-2012. In term of value, Value of Fisheries Export (US $ in Million) shows that
total fisheries export was increase two times fold than 2001 within 5 years. But since 2006,
not too much increase and more or less same. Total value of fisheries export in 2000-2001
was 218.29 US$ million but in 2015-2016 become 502.63 US$ million. The value of export

12. 31
of Prawn decreased half fold within 15 years. 104.23 US$ million in 2001-2002 but only
49.64 US$ million in 2015-2016. Remarkable value within 15 years highest one reach
121.7 US$ million in 2006-2007.
But Fish export value is increase incredibly, three times fold within 15 years. In
2001-2002, total fish export value is only 103.61 US$ million but it increase about 3 times
more in 2015-2016, total fish export value is became 274.25 US$ million. The exported
amount was (6 %) of the total production of fish in Myanmar in 2015- 2016. It was exported
to (39) different countries. Since after uplifting the sanction, United Stated has been
encourage to trade more with Myanmar. Fisheries is the fourth export to the United States
principal commodity after Garment, foot wear and pulses. In 2015-2016, 1440 metric tons
of fisheries export which value 2.25 US$ million to USA.
Table (3.4) Top Ten Export Fish and Fishereies Products (Thousand Matric Ton)
No Species
2010-
2011
2011-
2012
2012-
2013
2013-
2014
2014-
2015
2015-
2016
1 Rohu
85 85 71 68 64 59
2 Fish meal
- - - - 21 29
3 Live Mud Crab
11 13 12 16 16 14
4 Ribbon fish
10 10 13 10 9 13
5 Big Eye Croker
- - - - - 10
6 Pink
11 11 9 10 10 8
7 Hilsa
11 15 12 11 1 7
8 Live Eel
8 11 11 13 7 7
9 Soft shell crab
- - - 2 3 3
10 Tiger
4 4 4 3 4 3
11 White prown
- - 3 3 3 -
12 Dried Prawn
3 2 3 3 - -
13 White Pomfret
5 6 6 - - -
14 Rosy Jew Fish
6 5 - - - -
Source; DOF fisheries statistics 2010 to 2016

13. 32
Marine capture fisheries and aquaculture are further subdivided into fish and
shrimp. Aquaculture production in Myanmar increased more than nine times within 2000-
2016, from a low base 115.58 metric ton to reach 1,014.42 metric ton. In 2016, shrimp,
which is farmed in coastal areas (most importantly in Rakhine state), accounted for just
5.6% of total reported aquaculture production by volume. The presently limited
contribution of shrimp production to Myanmar’s aquaculture justifies this study’s exclusive
focus on inland aquaculture.
Table (3.4) shows top ten species of exported fish and fisheries products in 2015-
2016. Rohu is the first one fishery in export 59,241.522 MT that value of 55.799 Million
US$. After Rohu, Crab, Eel, soft shell crab, fish meal, Ribbon fish, Pink, Tiger, Hilsa and
Big Eye Croaker respectively.
The total amount of these ten species fisheries product was 248 million US$. Rohu
is the number one export fishery product not only in this 2016 but also every year since
long ago. It shows the top ten fisheries export metric ton highlighted as Rohu is the highest
one every year. Even though itself export amount has been decreased 85 thousand MT in
2010-2011 declined dramatically reach 59.2 MT in 2015-2016.
Table (3.5) Value of Top Ten Exported Fish& Fisheries Products (US$ million)
No Species 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
1 Rohu 90 89 88 69 60 56
2 Live Mud Crab 25 33 35 45 49 40
3 Live Eel 23 40 48 52 26 25
4 Soft shell crab - - - 12 15 21
5 Fish meal - - - 0 13 21
6 Ribbon fish 16 21 25 16 15 21
7 Pink 28 33 30 26 23 18
8 Tiger 24 35 39 20 20 17
9 Hilsa 30 47 34 26 16 17
10 Big Eye Croker - - - - - 12
11 White prown - - 16 12 12 -
12 Dried Prawn 16 15 16 13 - -
13 White Pomfret 23 35 32 - - -
14 Rosy Jew Fish 18 16 - - - -
Source; DOF fisheries statistics 2010 to 2016
Fish meal became 2nd fishery product in terms of export volume but only reach 4th
in the value of export in 2015-2016. Indeed fish meal is a raw material that should be used

14. 33
in local. It is high volume and low value for export. Table (3.5) shows value of top ten
species of exported fish and fishereies products.
Rohu contribute 22% of total value of these top ten species in 2015-2016 and other
years between 24% and 31% in 2010-2011. Although other species reach up and down in
some years and some species not include in some years, Rohu is a champion of export
fishery every year in Myanmar. Rohu, Crab and Eel were the top three exported species by
value for the year. Table (3.6) shows top ten countries of fish and fisheries products
Exported from Myanmar (unit-Thousand Metric Ton). Thailand is 1st
in term of volume
because it trade mostly in raw materials such fish meal (dried fish and shrimp powders).
Thailand is 1st
countries of Myanmar Export on fisheries product but mostly raw materials
and fish meal for ten years since 2008-09. China is second large amount trading country
within ten years.
Table (3.6) Quantity of Top Ten Countries of Fish and Fisheries Products Export
from Myanmar (Thousand Metric Ton)
N
o
Countries
2006
-07
2007
-08
2008
-09
2009
-10
2010
-11
2011
-12
2012
-13
2013
-14
2014
-15
2015
-16
1
Thailand 12 49 89 123 135
136
138 127 128 150
2 China 9 85 59 56 78
93
91 83 76 78
3 Kuwait 15 28 34 59 51
45
35 26 23 21
4 Singapore 18 32 57 46 25
16
27 20 21 27
5 Malaysia 10 81 23 21 21
23
19 16 17 14
6 Saudi 18 19 18 20 19
21
22 20 24 21
7 Bangladesh 24 20 15 14 11
17
10 8 8 -
8 UAE 14 9 11 14 12
16
15 16 14 14
9 Japan 12 11 7 6 7
7
7 6 7 5
10 UK - - 5 6 6
6
6 7 6 7
11 Hong Kong 4 3 - - - - - - - -
12 USA - - - - - - - - 3
Source; DOF Fisheries Statistics 2010 to 2016

15. 34
Other trade partners for fish and fisheries product exported to Kuwait, Singapore,
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bengladesh, UAE, Japan, Unied Kingdom, Hongkong. United
States enhance the fisheries trade with Myanmar therefore reach in the list of top ten
countries in last year.
Table (3.7) Value of Top ten Countries Exported Fishery Products from Myanmar
(Million USD)
No Countries
2006
-07
2007
-08
2008
-09
2009
-10
2010
-11
2011
-12
2012
-13
2013
-14
2014
-15
2015
-16
1 China 131 149 106 105 180 259 244 199 170 161
2 Thailand 110 56 77 99 111 124 133 129 128 143
4 Singapore 30 70 119 96 59 35 50 25 23 30
6 Malaysia 21 87 41 36 39 54 46 35 31 34
9 Kuwait 14 30 32 53 57 51 49 27 22 20
3 Japan 50 42 23 17 22 30 35 24 19 17
7 Saudi 20 35 21 23 25 29 32 24 22 22
5 Bangladesh 22 27 19 16 14 23 12 9 9 0
8 UAE 18 14 14 17 18 21 19 18 15 14
10
Hong
Kong 14 13
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 UK 0 0 11 12 13 14 15 14 10 12
12 USA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10
Source; DOF fisheries statistics 2010 to 2016
Table 3.7 shows the value of top ten countries of exported fish and fisheries
products (Unit- US$ million) 2010-2016. China was the largest market for Myanmar fish
with a value $ 161 million, with Thailand the next largest at $143 million. Singapore,
Malaysia and Kuwait round out the top five.
3.7 Aquaculture Sector Development in Myanmar
According to FAO data, Myanmar is the world number 12th
of the aquaculture
production in 2016. Pond aquaculture growing since after 1966 DOF’s induced breeding
through hypophysation. The favored species are Rohu (Nga Myit Chin) and common carp
(Shwewar Nga Gyin), although some tilapia may also be found in larger ponds and more
recently there is an increase in the culture of Pangasius (Nga Dan) and Pacu (Nga Mote).
The 2015/16 published area of fishponds is about 478,002 acre with an overall
aquaculture freshwater production of 1,014,000 metric ton. This would give an average
world production rate of 8,900 kg/ha/year, which is very high for an overall production rate
for a whole country. The total aquaculture ponds are for the whole country is 472,702 acre
including prawns ponds. Ayeyarwaddy is the largest 177,961 acre (including few

16. 35
shrimp/prawn)and Rakhine (only shrimp& prawn) 156,580 acre and Yangon is third largest
(second largest for fish) 84,457 acre.
Table (3.8) Aquaculture pond (Thousands of acre) by States and Regions
(2001-02 to 2015-16)
States/
Regions
2001
-02
2005-
06
2010-
11
2011-
12
2012-
13
2013-
14
2014-
15
2015-
16
Kachin
0.5 0.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.3
Kayah
0.1 0.3 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8
Kayin
0.2 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8
Chin
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Sagaing
3.3 4.5 5.2 5.5 5.8 6.0 6.4 7.1
Taninthayi
0.1 1.1 1.2 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.3
Bago
7.7 24.2 25.8 26.0 26.0 26.1 27.2 28.4
Magway
0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Mandalay
5.1 6.3 6.9 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.6 8.0
Mon
0.8 1.7 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1
Rakine
83.0 155.5 155.5 155.5 155.6 155.6 155.6 156.6
Yangon
46.1 68.7 70.1 70.1 70.1 70.1 70.1 84.5
Shan
0.9 3.0 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4
Ayeyarwaddy
62.3 138.7 170.1 170.0 170.0 170.0 173.4 178.0
Nay Pyi Taw 0
- - - 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Total
211 406 444 448 450 450 456 478
Source: DOF statistic data 2005-2016 and CSO-2016
This figure shows that drastically increase of pond acre in Yangon Region and
Ayeyarwaddy Region within one year of new Democracy Government period. In Yangon
Region, 70,083 acre exist in 2014-2015 but becoming 84,457 acre in 2015-2016. It means

17. 36
14,374 acre (17% of within one year) increasing it might be government more allow to
change the land tenure transforming such as form (7) to form (105) or Form (39).
Myanmar’s reported aquaculture production stood 70,911 thousand viss from 131,312 acre
in 2000-2001, but 621, 228 thousand viss produced by 479, 743 acre which dominated
almost entirely by a single species, Rohu (Nga Myit Chin; Labeo rohita). According to the
this study, Figure 3.2 shows Yearly Comparison of Area of Fish and Prawn Ponds (Acre)
and Production (Thousand Viss). The area expansion have been increased drastically
between year 2000-2001 to 2005-2006 as 131,312 acre to 405,855 acre that means pond
area increased 4 times within 5 years. Similarly production of fish and prawn are parallel
increase as pond area increasing. It is obviously lower production than pond area as 70,911
thousand viss in 2000 and 351,894 thousand viss in 2005. Production is 5 times increase
within 5 years.
Figure (3.2) Yearly Comparison of Area of Fish and Prawn Ponds (Acre) and
Production (Thousand Viss)
Source: DOF statistic data 2005-2016 and CSO-2016
Since after 2008 until now, dramatically increase the production of the fish and
prawn are above than pond area acre. It can be assumed that production technique and other
factors are improving year by year and production amount is not depend on the area
extension or numbers of ponds expansion. This figure would imply that yield increases
(intensification), accounted for around two thirds of growth in the production of farmed
fish over this period. The length of the production cycle (season) reduced from 12 to 9
131,312
405,855
448,608 450,280 451,535 452,165 470,877 479,743
70,911
351,894
508,254
550,574 569,152
590,422
612,168 621,228
2000-2001 2005-2006 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016
Area of Fish and Prawn Ponds (Acre) Production of Fish and Prawn Ponds (Thousand Viss)

18. 37
months. A single type of fish – the indigenous carp (Nga Gyin), Rohu (Nga Myit Chin) –
constitutes roughly 70% of all farmed fish. Exotic species such as Pangasius (Nga Dan),
Catfish (Nga Khu) and Tilapia, which are important for both domestic markets and export
elsewhere in Asia, are only produced in small quantities at present. Rohu is one of the most
preferred species in the country and commands a higher price in the market. Price
approximately about 1,000 MMK/ viss in 2000- 2001 and about 2,800 MMK/viss in 2015-
2016. But price of fish are various by size of fish.
According to historical data and interview result, aquaculture expansion started
from (East/Southeast of Yangon) Khayan, Thone Kwa and spread out to (West of Yangon)
Twantay, Maubin, Nyaung Don and then expend to (North of Yangon) Htantabin, Hlegu,
Mingalardon, Teikkyi, Lapadan etc. This pattern occurs because short transport time to
reach to market center Yangon, boats can use the river system to deliver fish and feed,
energy grids exist, and water is neither too abundant nor too scarce and easy to get fresh
water from rivers or streams. Fish-farming output from the Delta, which accounts for 90%
of Myanmar’s farmed fish. In the largest cluster, in “Nyaung Don Island”, pond area grew
from 9,700 acres to 34,000 acres (3.5 times increase) in only 10 years, 2004-2014. In the
oldest cluster, Twantay, there was no change; in Hlegu, there was an increase from 680 to
1720 acres (2.5 times), and in Latkyargi in Maubin, from 2,240 to 3,110 acres (nearly 1.5
times).