Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized that increasing fisheries production would be meaningless if food safety is not ensured. “If fish produced through aquaculture is not safe, it cannot truly be considered fish in the real sense, and this must be taken seriously,” she said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the 10th Biennial Fisheries Conference held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in the capital. The conference was organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum.
Farida Akhter highlighted that fish serves as an important source of essential nutrition, containing vital micronutrients such as calcium and other elements crucial for eye health, bone strength, and intellectual development. She also noted that fish-based dietary habits have significantly contributed to the intellectual development of the nation.
Referring to marine fisheries, the adviser
stated that only about 30 percent of Bangladesh’s marine fishery resources are currently being utilized. She pointed out that both artisanal and industrial trawlers employ different fishing methods, with some technologies used by industrial trawlers raising serious concerns.
Reports indicate that sonar technology, which poses a risk of overfishing, is being utilized by nearly 70 out of 223 industrial trawlers operating in the country. Effective policies are needed to address these emerging challenges, she mentioned.
In this context, Farida Akhter added that the government has decided to update the national fisheries policy as a key initiative to ensure sustainable and safe fisheries management.