Sea Gypsies From Myanmar

Known as “Sea Gypsies”, Myanmar nomadic seafaring tribe “Moken” has been facing threat of their culture.

The Moken has sailed and fished for hundreds of years in the surroundings of Myeik Archipelago.

The sea provided them with everything they needed and bounty such as pearls to trade with islanders for fuel and rice.

Ko Matt : When we were young, we searched the water for a month and then we rested for 2 or 3 months, leaving the resources to replenish themselves.

But the waters have been devastated by the commercial fishing industry that has eaten away the area's once abundant marine life.

The survey said there are an estimated 8,000 smaller boats and many other large trawlers operating in the area.

Some Moken youths have ended up working for the fishing fleets that are destroying the ecosystem that supported them through the generations.

Village Leader , Kar Shar : When we were young, a husband could easily support his family. Now the whole family has to work to survive, and sometimes even that is not enough.

Commercial fishing is dangerous work -- some are maimed diving for dynamite fishermen; others have turned to drugs to cope.

Tun Aung Soe : Now there are not as many Moken men as women left. Years ago business was very good for the Moken - and there were lots of drugs around, so they used them a lot and then they died.

Experts say the Moken's population in Myanmar has fallen from around 5,000 -- over 10,000 if it includes other sea nomads the Moken and Urak Lawoi -- to 2,000-3,000 today.

Credit to Myanmar International TV

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