For harmonious marine ecosystem, the conservation of 27 species of sharks, stingrays and cow-nosed rays will be carried out on a priority basis, according to the Fishery Department. 

Since July 2018, the department has started drafting a plan to save sawfishes and ray species from extinction. Thanks to the project, there will be harmonious marine ecosystem, the number of fishes and prawns will increase and the fishery businesses will develop. 

The draft plan covers 13 kinds of sawfishes and 14 stingrays. According to the IUCN’s red list, Pondicherry Shark, Ganges Shark and Irrawaddy River Shark, are put on the list of Critically Endangered (CR) species and four additional species on the list of Endangered (EN) Species. 

Large tooth sawfish, green sawfish (pristis zijsron), small tooth/wide sawfish are designated as Critically Endangered (CR) species and eight additional species as EN species. 

Sawfishes and rays in Myanmar sea, are in danger of extinction due to blast fishing and food chain cut. Sawfish and ray are crucial for the marine ecosystem as well as for marine businesses. 

Sawfish is the top predator which control the food pyramid in the sea. The breeding of small fish are very fast. Sawfishes which are the top indicators for the marine ecosystem, are important as the breeding and growth of commercially-important fish takes time. Likewise, stingrays are the indicators for the vast food chains that exist in the ecosystem. 

Sawfishes and stingrays are very important species for the sea and marine ecosystem. They are important indicator species for the marine-based businesses. Beyond 2018, the Fishery Department is conducting surveys on sawfishes and whale species, in cooperation with the WCS and the FFI.