Shark and Ray Conservation in Myanmar

Despite a nationwide ban on shark fishing in Myanmar put into place in 2009, recent survey efforts of markets and landing sites reveal significant quantities of sharks and rays sourced from an active fishery. During 2017-2018,... [ view full abstract ]

Despite a nationwide ban on shark fishing in Myanmar put into place in 2009, recent survey efforts of markets and landing sites reveal significant quantities of sharks and rays sourced from an active fishery. During 2017-2018, seasonal surveys of six sites across Rakhine State in western Myanmar have identified at least 11 species of sharks and 32 species of rays being traded (from an estimated 58 and 71 recorded species, respectively) – a number of which are threatened or CITES listed, such as hammerhead sharks and mobulid rays. A prevalence of juvenile sharks indicates the importance of fisheries by-catch as a significant factor impacting their populations, while a multitude of ray species appear to be directly targeted for their meat, gills, and skins. In response, WCS in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) are supporting the Myanmar Department of Fisheries (DoF) to develop and implement a National Plan of Action (NPOA), informed by evidence from the field, to increase protections for key shark and ray species in Myanmar. Complimentary efforts include installing vessel monitoring systems on targeted fishing boats to identify important fishing grounds and potential spawning or nursery grounds for future protection. In addition, we are also investigating the trade routes for shark and ray products within Myanmar as well as to neighbouring countries such as China and Thailand.