Subsistence fish farming projects are under way to protect freshwater fish in rivers and lakes in northern Myanmar, according to the Department of Fisheries in Nay Pyi Taw. The main reason for the depletion of fish stocks in rivers and lakes is illegal fishing, including electric-shock fishing, in which batteries are used to kill or stun fish; the excessive use of pesticides; and natural disasters, said U Kyaw Moe Aung, a staff officer of the department. Electric-shock fishing is the worst because even those fish that survive become infertile and cannnot reproduce. The reproduction of fish is decreasing. We are now educating people to practice subsistence fish farming, he said. An agreement was signed between the department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for extensive education on fish farming which is being carried out in 12 townships in Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions. In 13 townships of these regions, there are 2135 basic fish farming trainees and up to 18 private devoted fish breeders. For the devoted fish farmers, 500 juvenile fish are sold for one pond and the excess fish are repurchased, said an official from of the project. Farmers interested in starting a small-scale fish farm can contact the fishery stations in their townships and regions, and they can attend short classes, said the project official U Kyaw Moe Aung. The first Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Extension Centre opened in January at Patheingyi township of Mandalay. The centre will include a fish hatchery, experimental breeding pond, a laboratory, and a disease lab. Support will be given so that research can be conducted based on the development of aquaculture methods and a fish-farming system compatible with Myanmar can emerge. There will also be long-term development of aquaculture services, research can be carried out, and quality services provided, according to the Mandalay Region Department of Fisheries. Subsistence farming is also aimed to address poverty among the rural population.