Illegal Capture and Killing of Aquatic Animals and Migratory Birds on Nantha Island, a Designated Marine National Park, Raises Fears of Rare Bird Species Extinction

Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 17 October 2024

Environmental activists and observers have expressed concern that the poaching and killing of migratory birds and aquatic animals on Nantha Island, which is part of the Mayu River Estuary in Arakan State and is designated as Myanmar's second marine national park and global wetland conservation area, could result in the extinction of rare bird species. 

"Nantha Island is not yet under AA administration, and the current junta's administration is ineffective," stated an anonymous social activist from Sittwe. "Despite navy vessels being stationed near the island, people can not stop going there to fish, log, and capture or kill migratory birds," the activist from Sittwe stated.

Nantha Island is located in Rathedaung Township, in the Mayu River Estuary, about ten miles northwest of Sittwe Township in the state of Arakan. The water area of the island is more than 22,000 acres.

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of and occupied all of Rathedaung Township; however, because junta navy warships are still present on Nantha Island, which is a portion of Rathedaung Township and is close to Sittwe Town, the AA is unable to exert control over it.

An observer from Rathedaung Township observed that illicit operations continue even with the military junta in charge and navy ships stationed close to Nantha Island. These include illicit mangrove tree logging, fishing, hunting rare bird species, hunting and murdering rare turtles, and sand mining.

"There are people who shoot endangered bird species, harvest protected green sea turtles, tear down mangrove trees, and engage in unlawful sand mining. The observer stated, "These operations continue in spite of the adjacent navy vessels."

Nantha Island has a diverse ecology that supplies enough food for a variety of creatures. It is also home to the second-largest Spoon-billed Sandpiper wintering site in the world, which is severely endangered. It is home to a number of native and migratory birds, such as the Nordmann Greenshank and Great Knot, as well as aquatic wildlife such as sea turtles and Irrawaddy dolphins that come to graze.

To conserve and safeguard its biodiversity, Nantha Kyun Island was named "Nantha Island Marine National Park" on February 21, 2022, by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Additionally, on May 21, 2020, the Ramsar Group recognized Nantha Island as a wetland conservation area, recognizing that it satisfies six requirements for wetland classification intended to safeguard wetlands worldwide.

Cyclone Mocha hit Arakan State on May 14, 2023, leaving Nantha Island severely damaged. Approximately 80% of the mangroves there were destroyed, along with important bird grazing areas. Conservation activities are desperately needed in light of this destruction.

Environmental activists stress that the ongoing battle for town control, which started in November 2023, could endanger aquatic resources, migratory birds, and hatchling turtles even more. The fighting has been intensifying due to artillery shells fired by junta navy vessels near Nantha Island, which have caused explosions, vibrations, and toxic fumes; fighter jets, Y-12 aircraft, and helicopters flying continuously over the island compound the problem. 

An Arakan State environmental activist stated, "If they hear loud noises—sounds that are unfamiliar and frightening—they may choose to migrate. Additionally, artillery fire or airstrikes can create vibrations in the water that affect the spawning of aquatic resources. These vibrations may be too much for them to bear, causing the migration or death of aquatic species, potentially leading to extinction."

Even though Nantha Island is a marine national park, it is noticeably neglected, which causes deterioration on all sides.