Interaction between Fishing Activities and Marine Turtles in Myanmar

Abstract

In Myanmar water five marine turtle species are found. Nowadays, marine turtles are incidentally caught and injured during fishing activities. Marine turtles are one of the internationally listed aquatic endangered species for long term protection and conservation. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has taken up a project to propagate and conserve marine turtles on Thameehla Island in Labutta Township, Ayeyarwady Region since 1963 and prohibited the use of fishing gears having harmful effects on marine turtles .According to mandatory laws, regulations, notifications and announcements, any kind of mechanized fishing is prohibited within five miles (in Rakhine State) and ten miles (in Ayeyawady and Tanintharyi Region) of the shore along the coast. Sometimes fishing gears near the turtle nesting areas which are against the laws and regulations, not only affect the turtles but also cause serious impact on sea grass beds and coral reefs. The fishermen, living near the turtle conservation areas report to DoF if they found turtles and released the turtles which are captured incidentally after treating them. To reduce the death of marine turtles due to fishing activities the DoF has laid down guidelines. It is important that fishery workers are trained to use a type of fishing gear, which will be effective in catching fish but harmless to turtles. In this regard, the DoF is educating the fishermen and public living in the coastal areas. Strict enforcement of the mandatory laws and prohibiting near shore-mechanized fishing seems to be the best short-term solution to reduce the turtle mortality.