MYANMAR’S marine resources contribute to domestic seafood sufficiency and export revenue. Myanmar abundantly produces both freshwater and saltwater fish. Wild-caught tiger prawns are exported to foreign markets, with the export price of K200,000 per viss.
The three-month fishing close season starts in May. Trawlers and fishing boats called in Yangon city on 30 April to supply saltwater shrimp and seafood, including tiger prawn, to Sanpya and Shwepadauk fish markets and other ports.
“Tiger prawns fetch a high price in the market. They are designated only for exports. Exporters buy them once they are unloaded from the ship. They are exported depending on the size, order placement and food safety standard of the importing countries. The saltwater fish stored in cold storage facilities will be sold gradually during the close season,” said Daw Tin Nwe, a saltwater fish exporter engaged in the Sanpya fish market.
Myanmar exports wild-caught tiger prawn and Panamei white shrimp, farmed in Taninthayi Region, to foreign markets.
“Myanmar’s tiger prawn and Panamei white shrimp generate export earnings. Fostering Good Aquaculture Practice and Best Aquaculture Practices is required for sustainable seafood. This way, we can protect fish resources from reaching yellow levels that pose some environmental concerns. Once, Myanmar’s tiger prawn export businesses with genetic monitoring flourished.
Myanmar possesses vast marine resources. If it can bolster livestock breeding, the export might double, said Dr Toe Nanda Tin, senior vice president of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.
Wild-caught tiger prawns are processed in cold storage in Yangon Region and then primarily exported to China, Singapore, Thailand and the Republic of Korea. Seafood prices usually go up during the closed fishing season.
Myanmar’s fisheries exports included over 9146.615 metric tonnes of shrimp in the 2024-2025 financial year. Various types of Myanmar’s shrimps are placed on foreign markets, yet foreign trade partners prefer tiger prawns as it has grasped a firm market share in the seafood industry. — Thitsa (MNA)/KK
