A national fisheries plan is being drafted with the aim of preventing fish from being illegally caught in Myanmar waters, said Hla Kyaw, deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation. Lower House MP Khin Cho asked a question in the chamber if there was a plan to conduct research on changes in the country’s marine sources. Hla Kyaw said: Fishing capacity is being controlled for sustainable production of seawater fish and prawns. Fishing equipment and fishing methods will be controlled. Non-fishing seasons and areas will be designated for fishing boats. Fishing days will be reduced under the plan, and legal action will be taken against those catching fish and prawns by illegal means. Assistance will be provided to those in the fishing sector who need to adjust to the changes. Monitoring devices will be installed to keep an eye on fishing boats, Hla Kyaw said. With the assistance of Southeast Asia Fishing Development Centre, research on the seasonal variations in the number of sharks and rays in territorial waters is being conducted. Help in particular is coming from the Southeast Asia Fishing Development Centre and World Fish, with research on seasonal migratory behaviour of hilsa and their reproduction areas. Work is also being carried out to preserve species of dugong and dolphins, Hla Kyaw said.