Gauging the Climate Change Adaptation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Myanmar

Abstract

Fisheries are central to the economy and rural livelihoods in Myanmar, contributing to food security, foreign exchange, and employment of nearly 40 % of the rural workforce. However, the sector faces increasing threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and more frequent floods and cyclones, impacts that have intensified losses between 2015 and 2025.

This article evaluates the climate change adaptation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector of Myanmar. The evaluation was carried out by identifying the gaps in the national frameworks and policies; reviewing the country’s adoption of the Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2030 (RES&POA- 2030); and learning the lessons on climate change adaptation of the selected ASEAN Member States (AMSs).

To strengthen climate resilience in the fisheries and aquaculture sector of Myanmar, the proposed strategic actions include policy and institutional development, monitoring and early warning systems capacity building and community engagement, infrastructure and technology development, international cooperation and knowledge exchange, and mainstreaming and integration.