Cyclone nargis severely damages Burma fisheries

The cyclone has affected the same areas in the Ayeyarwady division that were hit by the 2004 tsunami, claiming lives and resulting in the displacement of thousands of people. This time, the impact is believed to be far more severe.

The population of the Ayeyarwady division (approximately 6.5 million or 12 per cent of Burma's population) lives from exploiting the rich natural resources within the delta area and out at sea.

The area struck by the cyclone has major fishing ports and landing sites. It is clear that many vessels have been sunk in harbours and damage to infrastructure - landing sites and fish storage and preservation facilities - is likely.

Burma does not have an early-warning system for cyclones and bad weather. Although fishermen are generally aware of weather conditions and do not go out to sea if storms are expected, those on small vessels may not have received a warning in time. The severity of the storm surge also impacted heavily on people who were onshore.

Fisheries and aquaculture in Burma are officially estimated to employ more than 800,000 people, although far more may take part. The five states affected most by the cyclone produce fish, prawns and preserved fisheries products in abundance. Most of the fishing communities are located along the coast and include significant numbers of poor and vulnerable people and a high proportion of people dependent on fisheries and aquatic products for income and food security.

Marine fisheries in Burma employ approximately 26,000 small boats operating in coastal areas and some 1,900 offshore fishing vessels (2001 data). The marine fisheries sector produces 1.4 million tonnes, which represent more than 55 per cent of the country's fish supply.

Artesian fishing within the Ayeyarwady delta is also widespread. This type of fishery should be somewhat better sheltered from direct sea surges and cyclones, but deforestation and other man-made impacts may have limited natural shelter. Available film footage suggests that the impact of the cyclone extended well inland, thus these households are also likely to have been affected by flooding. Fishermen also face damage to boats, fishing gear and other livelihood assets.

Coastal aquaculture in Burma is limited mainly to shrimp farming, although also some smaller quantities of mud crab and groupers are farmed. The sector already generates significant export earnings and has great potential for future development and diversification.

Most coastal aquaculture in Burma is practised with traditional methods, but intensification of shrimp farming in particular is gathering pace. Ayeyarwady division has approximately 18 per cent of the national area of fish culture ponds and less than 2 per cent of the total shrimp culture area (estimated at 29,125 acres in 2001).

The shrimp culture area is largely based around Rakhine State to the north.

Cyclone Nargis had a far more severe impact on these coastal areas than the Asian tsunami. However, poor access to these areas is seriously hampering relief efforts and makes rapid and effective assessment of the damage and rehabilitation needs extremely demanding and difficult.

Boats, jetties and transport infrastructure in the area are of poor quality and may not be capable of delivering relief supplies quickly and efficiently.