A 30-day fisheries research programme will be carried out in the waters off the Taninthayi coast using MV SEAFDEC 2 of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC).
The initiative aims to conduct scientific studies on fish stocks and the marine ecological conditions in which they inhabit along the Taninthayi coast, to support fisheries resource management, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources in Myanmar waters.
The opening ceremony for the research operations was held at on 21 February at Pyae Phyo Tun Jetty in Pathet Village, Kyunsu Township. At the ceremony, U Maung Gyi, Minister for Economic Affairs of Taninthayi Region, stated that the research would enable scientific assessment of environmental conditions along the Taninthayi coast, including the chemical and physical properties of seawater, the presence of phytoplankton and zooplankton, fish eggs and larvae, and the status of fishery resources. He noted that the findings would facilitate more precise conservation measures and significantly support fisheries management and conservation efforts in the region.
Subsequently, U Myint Zin Htoo, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, explained the objectives of the fisheries research activities, previous research conducted in Myanmar waters, the planned research agenda, and the anticipated benefits and expected outcomes. Mr Nakaret Yasuk, a research scientist aboard MV SEAFDEC 2, then spoke about the research mission. The president of the Taninthayi Region Fisheries Federation, U Hla Than, delivered a welcome address.
Following this, commemorative gifts marking the joint research collaboration between Thai and Myanmar scientists aboard MV SEAFDEC 2 were presented by the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries and accepted, on behalf of the regional government, by the Minister for Economic Affairs, the president of the federation, and the vessel’s captain. Attendees were then invited aboard the research vessel, where the captain and local cruise leaders provided explanations and briefings.
Through this fisheries research programme, studies will be conducted on the distribution of fish species in the Taninthayi coastal waters according to fishing grounds, species and size. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) will be calculated on an hourly basis, enabling improved regulation and supervision of fishing vessels according to gear type. The research will also examine fish reproductive maturity, stock recruitment, and the food chain system by studying phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish eggs and spawning seasons. These findings will allow for the designation and protection of spawning seasons by species and locality. In addition, the types and quantities of marine debris will be assessed, enabling cooperation with relevant ministries to implement coastal waste management plans. Overall, the programme is expected to promote the sustainable and efficient utilisation of fishery resources and contribute to improving the socioeconomic conditions of those engaged in the fisheries sector.
The research activities will be conducted from 22 February to 22 March in the waters off the Taninthayi coast. The team will comprise five international experts, 12 specialists from the Department of Fisheries, Myeik University, Mawlamyine University and Tatmadaw (Navy), together with 16 crew members of the research vessel.
Khaing Htoo (IPRD)/KNN
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