Monitoring fish landing to assess local fishery in the Sittaung River Estuary, Myanmar

The Sittaung River Estuary supports a small-scale fishery that contributes to local livelihoods in the Gulf of Mottama, Myanmar. Since the fishery faces environmental and anthropogenic pressures, it is important to monitor exploited stocks for sustainable fisheries management. Long-term fish landing data were monthly collected from August 2016 to December 2024 from a local fish buyer in Sut Pa Nu Village near the estuary. This study aims to monitor fish species diversity and abundance across the years, examine seasonal landings and economic contribution of major species, and provide recommendations for sustainable management. Over eight years, the study recorded 30 fish species from 19 families. Hilsa shad, Pama croaker, and Mango fish were major species, accounting for 54% of total annual landing and 76% of total annual value. The fishery provided an annual gross income of 1,707 USD/fisher. Annual landings decreased sharply after the peak in 2020, and species diversity showed a gradual decline. Such dynamics were likely due to the presumed effect of illegal fishing, while considering the dynamics of hydrologic process. Seasonal peaks in landings were observed during the migration and spawning seasons of the major species. The government’s fishing ban does not protect the spawning season of Hilsa shad and even prohibits fishing during the peak landing periods of Pama croaker and Mango fish. Hence, area-based conservation measures are recommended rather than seasonal closure. Strengthening law enforcement is urgently required to protect fish species, particularly the major species that contribute to local livelihoods.