A group of Myanmar fishermen will be sent to Japan to receive training in new technologies and marine conservation as a part of a government pilot project, the Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF) has said.
“We plan on sending a batch of fishermen to Japan. After coming back from training, they will share their technological know how and experiences to their colleagues in the Myanmar fishing industry,” said U Win Kyaing, secretary of the MFF.
Reports on the widespread environmental damage to Myanmar’s marine ecosystems brought about by overfishing and dynamite fishing have prompted calls for reform within the industry.
Through their training in Japanese technology, the fishermen will learn how to conserve natural resources, said U Win Kyaing.
“Myanmar fishing practices such as trailing nets on the ocean floor destroys the natural fishing resources,” said Daw Toe Nandar Tin, vice-chairwoman of MFF.
“Japan doesn’t use these destructive practices in their fishing industry.”
The training program is a joint undertaking between Japan’s Fishing Cooperation and the MFF, with 20 fishermen from Myanmar’s coastal regions being sent as part of the first round of training.
The fishermen will undergo 14 months of training, comprised of two months of classroom time and one year’s practical training, afterwards they will have to work for two years in Japanese fishing businesses, according to U Win Kyaing.
The training program marks the first time Myanmar fishermen will receive training from Japan, while training between Japan and regional neighbours Indonesia and Vietnam is already underway, according to the MFF
Source: Myanmar Business Today
