Source: WorldFish
One farmer in the country underlined the importance of aquatic foods for their community: “Fish is very important to my family because it is not only our source of livelihood but also a source of vital nutrients that help us accomplish our daily tasks.”
However, Hilsa stocks in the region were discovered to be near economic collapse from overfishing and habitat degradation.
To reverse this loss of biodiversity, WorldFish and its partners kicked off a series of research programs to better understand Hilsa in the region, the drivers of its decline, and potential solutions. Researchers found the small-scale Hilsa fishery sector could be worth between USD 790 million and USD 1 billion per year, with more than 1.5 million fishers and market chain actors dependent on the fish for their livelihoods. They also discovered that more sustainable Hilsa management could help protect the Irrawaddy dolphin, a near-extinct species in the region.
As a result, a series of science-driven policies to protect Hilsa stocks were passed in critical regions of the country. Governments and local agencies implemented a closed season aligned with the peak spawning period identified by the research and designated 12 fish sanctuaries along key fish migration routes to protect the juveniles.
These newly enacted policies to protect the aquatic habitats of Hilsa will not only help revive ecosystems but will also ensure sustainable livelihoods and nutrition for the millions of fishers, related workers, and their families in Myanmar.
Funded by: The Darwin Initiative of the United Kingdom
Partners: Myanmar Department of Fisheries,
Zoology Department of Yangon University, the Networks Activity Group, International Institute for Environment and Development
Source Link: https://worldfishcenter.org/story/science-driven-policy-change-restore-healthy-fish-stocks-myanmar
Categories: Latest News, News
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