Fish is one of the most important sources of animal protein and micronutrients
in Myanmar with average consumption levels estimated to be approximately
30 kg/person/year . However, with significant levels of malnutrition in the country, these figures are likely to hide a large diversity of consumption patterns.
The fisheries sector in Myanmar provides employment to 3.2 million people (800,000 full-time and 2.4 million part-time).
In 2016, total national fish production was 4,645,020 metric tons. Inland and marine fisheries make up nearly 78% of Myanmar’s fish production, at 3,630,600 metric tons, and remain a key contributor to the national fish supply. Aquaculture has grown significantly in the past decade, and has now reached 22% of annual fish production, 1,014,420 metric tons in 2016 (according to government statistics reported to FAO). Aquaculture’s contribution to total fish consumption remains low compared to neigbouring Thailand (80%) and Bangladesh (55%), indicating the relative importance of capture fisheries, and likely potential for future growth of aquaculture.