Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akter announced that the government will implement measures to conserve marine fish through controlling overfishing in the Bay of Bengal. "Our valuable fisheries resources are at risk due to overfishing using current nets, troll doors, and sonar systems in coastal and marine areas. As such, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock have decided to take necessary steps to safeguard these resources," she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the advisor made these remarks at a workshop titled "Annual Research Progress (2024-25) Review and Planning (2025-26)" held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI). Farida highlighted the shift in fish harvesting trends, where previously 60% of fish were harvested in open water bodies, but now 40% are harvested in these areas, with the remaining 60% in enclosed environments.
Farida Akter pointed out that the destruction of fish breeding and habitat areas in open water bodies is due to factors like water pollution, filling up of water bodies, and uncontrolled tourism. She noted that Bangladesh currently ranks first globally in hilsa production and emphasized the need for strengthened research and development activities related to Hilsa to maintain this status.
The advisor also called for increased research on the unique Rui and Katla fish found in the Halda River, with an aim to include them in the Geographical Indication (GI) product list. Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Taher Muhammad Zaber, attending the workshop as a guest of honour, acknowledged the crucial role of scientists in ensuring an adequate supply of fisheries resources.
He expressed that ensuring proper opportunities and facilities for scientists will motivate them to innovate new fish species. The secretary stressed the importance of addressing strategic issues such as combating climate change effects, controlling water pollution, developing skilled manpower, and increasing technological capacity to enhance fish availability.
The workshop was chaired by Director General of BFRI Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, with special guests including Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Farah Shammi, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dr. Rafiqul Islam Sardar, and Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf. Dr. Mohammad Ashraful Alam, a Senior Scientific Officer at BFRI, presented on the annual research progress on fishery resources, covering recent research successes, future plans, and necessary actions for fishery resource development.