Mandalay in Myanmar is putting some 170 fishing lakes in the region under the hammer this coming budget year, according to the Fisheries Department.
Department chief Hla Win said the auction, either in April or May, would be conducted transparently when the new budget year starts, to prevent problems, the Myanmar Times reported on Monday.
He said previous auctions had sparked demonstrations following misunderstandings.
Hla Win said those interested could get the lakes through the settlement system or auction system.
The settlement system allows fishing in the lakes from three to nine years, but the auction system allows only one year.
“We invite families with sustainable businesses to take part in the auction.
“But those taking part must be careful when they offer bids,” he said, explaining that people might confuse the settlement system for the auction system.
Hla Win said those who won the bids via the settlement system were allowed to fish in the lakes for three years, but if they worked diligently, the department could extend their permits to another six years.
Fisherman Myo Win from Ohbo village in Amarapura township said he had never seen the auctions before and wanted to observe it this time.
“I will check it out this year. In the past, only one person won the auctions,” he said.
The auction rate is set by the regional government. Last year, the auction rates for the lakes were between 10,000 kyat (260 baht) to 40 million kyat. The department said the rate will see a 10% increase this year.
There are about 270 fishing lakes in Mandalay, but only 170 will be auctioned. Based on the department’s records, permits for 57 lakes were expiring in the coming year and another 52 are expiring in the next two years.