The islands situated 15 nautical miles away from Sa Khan Thit village, Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Region have been designated for the first time as restricted areas for fishing, it is learnt from Kyunsu Township Fisheries Department.
The territorial waters near Tharmyar Ami island and Wetphyu Taung island, 15 nautical miles away from the village, will be off-limits for fishing starting on 10th October. This action is being taken to protect the fingerlings near these islands from being caught. Fish larvae that develop into fingerlings are hatched near the islands, it is learnt.
The department will conduct an awareness campaign at the places where the fishermen stop to rest, said U San Mhwe from the fisheries department.
It is the first time that the fisheries department has restricted the areas for fishing, posting warning signs along waterways. The fisheries department will place vinyl markers between these two islands to caution the fishermen to keep out of the restricted areas. Additionally, they will carry out patrols around the restricted areas to make sure there is no illegal fishing. Violators will face penalties.
To conserve the fish resources, locals need to participate in the effort. The activities protecting the aquaculture which will be carried out by the fisheries department in cooperation with FAUNA and Flora International (FFI) have been submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, it is learnt.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
