Myanmar, Norway to conduct joint research project on marine resources

Myanmar, Norway to conduct joint research project on marine resources

Published on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 18:05

Fishing vessels seen near Haigyi Island (Photo/EMG)

Myanmar and Norway have signed an agreement to conduct a joint research project on marine resources in the Bay of Bengal from November 13 to December 19, according to the Myanmar Fisheries Federation.

"We are going to do research with NORAD, a Norwegian governmental organization," said Deputy Minister Khin Maung Aye of the Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Rural Development, referring to the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, which has several projects in Myanmar.

"This research will involve monitoring marine resources. It will cost US$593,000. We are going to measure the amount of marine life that we produce. With expert assistance, we are going to collect data for the country."

Khin Maung Aye added that the research would be carried out by the Norwegian motor vessel Dr. Fridjaof Nanseen.

This will be the second marine-related project in Myanmar for which Norway has contributed research assistance. In 1979-80, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Norway conducted research using the same vessel in the Bay of Bengal for 102 days.

The research at that time established that 1,050,000 tons of fish and prawns could be harvested without depleting the Myanmar's marine resources.

Experts from the fisheries department, universities, and naval forces will be participating in the research.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-norway-to-conduct-joint-research-project-on-marine-resources/