Squid fishing business thrives in close season this year

The squid fishing business flourished during the close season this year because of a good price, squid fishing vessel operators said.
“The close season of squid fishing was at the end of April. Squid fishing normally runs between October and April. Squids fetch a handsome price in the close season. The squid prices touch a high of K160,000 per 10-viss tray (a viss equals 1.6 kilogrammes) in Dawei city. They are offered K140,000 per tray in Myeik city. This year, the squid Industry is thriving,” said U Min Tun, chair of the Myeik District Squid Entrepreneurs Association.
According to the Fisheries Department, the fishing season ended in March, yet the squid fishing vessels were allowed to operate one more month until April.
“Hike in fuel oil prices added additional cost on fishing vessels. Yet the businesses prospered because of the high price in the close season. We expect a decline in oil prices in the coming year. A vessel owner elaborated that the vessel operators have to take a risk with the prevailing market rate,” said a trawler owner.
The vessels returned to their respective ports. Maintenance activities are being carried out.
There are over 300 registered large vessels and 500 small vessels for squid fishing in Myeik District, Taninthayi Region. Myanmar’s squids are primarily shipped to markets in China and Thailand. — Myint Oo (Myeik)/GNLM