More marine conservation sites planned off Arakan coast

By Thiha 13 Nov 2020

Thiha | DMG
13 November 2020, Sittwe 

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Myanmar) has sought the approval of the union government to establish additional marine conservation areas in Arakan State, according to the environmental organisation’s marine conservation manager, U Thaung Htut. 

WCS Myanmar has proposed new marine conservation areas off the Arakan coast at Gwa, Nantha and Kyunnantha islands.   

“The Forest Department is taking the lead role in implementing marine conservation areas. We expect that the plan will be realised in one or two years,” U Thaung Htut said. “We also have plans to establish community-based [marine] conservation areas in Manaung because there are rare species there.”  

For marine conservation areas to be established, both government interest and public participation are important, he stressed, as is ensuring effective enforcement of the law.  

“Marine conservation areas will help restore ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities. This will in turn contribute to food security and provide people with livelihoods,” said U Thaung Htut. 

Overfishing, dynamite fishing and other destructive fishing practices off the coast of Arakan State have caused serious damage to aquatic habitats and coral reef ecosystems, he said. 

At present, the government has designated Wun Paik mangrove forest, the biggest of its kind in Myanmar, and the Kyeintali region in Arakan State’s Gwa Township as marine conservation areas. 

U Soe Lwin, a businessman from the fishery industry on Kyeintali, said catches had increased from at best 5 kilogrammes of fish and shrimp per day to more than 40 kg per day after the establishment of the marine conservation area there. 

“We conduct patrols in our conservation area so offshore fishing trawlers can’t fish in our place. This has brought great benefits to local fishermen,” he said. 

Marine conservation areas are planned for six coastal areas in Myanmar including the three off the Arakan State coast, according to WCS Myanmar.

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