The drop in demand of the local fish market has worsened during COVID-19 period according to the general secretary Win Kyaing of Myanmar Fisheries Federation on April 27.

In the fishing sector, there are onshore and offshore fishing. When we sell fish these days, prices are falling and there is less local market demand, he said. During COVID-19 period, there were less export businesses due to closure of cold storage factories and permission needed to open factories. Besides, restaurants are closed, there are no more alms giving or charity works or donations, and as result, there is only demand from houses. As the transportation is stopped, there are weaknesses in transportation and when sold in Yangon, demand is less than before the COVID-19 period. Myanmar bans marine fishing from June to August and bans fishing from ponds between May and July to facilitate the breeding season.

Similarly, fish breed in men made ponds are usually sold about six and a half viss but now only one and a half are sold.

He continued in saying that it is difficult to expect how long the situation will last. Fish breeders and sellers faced challenges, transportations was stopped and market demand was less. If the COPVID-19 period will be long, the fish industry will seem to be declining in the coming year, he added. 

Therefore, he suggested that the government needs to strengthen the fishing industry.