The traditional catching of eels in Myanmar has resulted in a decline in the eel population, so eel hatcheries will be experimenting to locally produce the larvae of eels in Feb 2017, according to eel cultivators.
The eel market will flourish if eels can be locally cultivated, making for a profitable venture considering the high price of eels. Currently, eel farms are being experimentally implemented on five acres of land in Twantay, Yangon Region.
The experimental cultivation of eels was conducted in the past but failed due to the high rate of eel death. If businessmen are able to solve this problem, eel farming is likely to be successful, said Ko Than Soe, who is engaged in experimental eel farming.
The fisheries department reportedly has a plan to draw up a project to bring the a successful result in local eel cultivation by inviting experts to share their expertise. There is also a plan to go on a study tour to the countries in which eel cultivation has been successful, according to the Myanmar Eel Entrepreneurs Association.
Baby eels are banned from being caught or sold in order to prevent further decline in the eel population, said Daw Toe Nanda Tin, the chairperson of the Myanmar Eel Entrepreneurs Association.
Those interested from regions and states are invited to take part in this experimental eel farming project. The larvae of eels will be distributed to the townships outside Yangon, she added.
The drop in eel exports to China resulted from the decline in eel production. Around 12,000 tonnes of eels were exported in 2012, whereas only around 7,000 tonnes of eels were recently exported, it is learnt from the eel association.
The prevailing market price of eels is about Ks9,500 per viss in the domestic market, but the export price was offered at Ks12,000 per viss, according to the eels depot.
Eels are traditionally caught in Ayeyawady, Sagaing, Bago, Magwe, Yangon regions and Mon state and the China market is the main buyer of Myanmar’s eels.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
