MFF to distribute eel larvae to bolster exports, promote domestic consumption

Myanmar Fisheries Federation will distribute eel larvae to fish breeders in Twantay city, Yangon Region, rather than the eel caught in the wild for exports and domestic consumption.
There are eight native eel species in Asia, and two of them are from Myanmar. The red and black eel species naturally caught from rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes and fields are sent to Yangon and Mandalay eel depots. The eels are delivered to China through the Muse border post. They thrive in wet environments, primarily produced in Rakhine, Mon and Kayin states and Ayeyawady, Sagaing and Mandalay regions. They are found mainly in Rakhine State, yet they are mostly harvested in Ayeyawady Region.
Within the past decade, Viet Nam has generated substantial foreign incomes from the aquaculture sector. This year, the fishery exports are targeted to earn US$11 billion. Viet Nam’s eel farming businesses also contribute to export as well. The federation is also stepping up its effort for eel breeding in Myanmar. It conducted a survey in Viet Nam, and the induced breeding of eel on a trial run was successful in 2019. The eel farming business halted amid the COVID-19 condition. The eel larvae distribution scene aims to increase the income of the breeders.
“Eel culture was successful in Myanmar after studying in Viet Nam. The eel larvae distribution will begin in May for the breeders to execute eel farming. Myanmar has been exporting the wild-caught eel to China. Even the small-sized eels are included. If so, eels might be extinct from overexploitation. That is why Myanmar will commence eel farming like the Vietnamese farms. It will enhance individual income as well as the country’s economic benefits. Eel is rich in protein. The breeder’s eye eels as it has domestic and China’s market demand. They can make artificial lakes with tarpaulins, and then the eels can be harvested after one year. Eels are included in the top ten commercially valued fisheries products. Eel farming is affordable yet thriving. MFF will directly distribute them to the breeders,” Dr Toe Nanda Tin, senior vice-chair of MFF, quoted in her sayings.
Snail is the main feedstuff in eel culture. Myanmar’s native eel species are mainly spread to Viet Nam, Thailand and Laos. They are highly demanded in China. For Myanmar to penetrate the European market beyond China, processing and packing technologies for fresh seafood are required. Viet Nam has already possessed that and has been increasing market shares in the European market in addition to China.
Myanmar has marketable native eel species, so it has already carried out successful eel farming on a trial run. Value chain development with systematic farming will grow the State’s income. The federation will go on a study tour from May and provide breeding and hatchery technology to the breeders. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/GNLM