Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized that animal feed must not be used as fish feed under any circumstances: Dhaka: A provision restricting the use of animal feed as fish feed will be included in the upcoming National Fisheries Policy 2025, she revealed. The adviser made these comments during a stakeholder consultation workshop on the draft of the National Fisheries Policy 2025 at the conference room of the Cotton Development Board, as stated in a press release from the ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Akhter stressed the need to protect mangrove ecosystems, highlighting that shrimp farming should not come at the expense of mangrove destruction. She advocated for sustainable models to safeguard these crucial coastal habitats. Farida also addressed illegal fishing, stating that simply destroying dragnets isn’t effective. Instead, she suggested imposing stringent restrictions on the import of dragnet materials.
The adviser expressed concern over the e
ntry of harmful foreign fish species into the country, often facilitated by the private sector. She pointed out the ecological threat posed by these invasive species and the reactive measures taken by authorities for their elimination. Farida emphasized the need for proactive measures to discourage their import initially.
Highlighting the significance of protecting fishermen’s livelihoods, Farida called for clear social protection measures in the National Fisheries Policy 2025. She recommended categorizing fishermen based on their job nature to ensure appropriate support and safety measures.
Farida Akhter noted that despite being a vital part of the economy, the fisheries sector is often overshadowed by agriculture, receiving less attention in terms of subsidies and government incentives. She urged for an end to this disparity and called for the clear outlining of fishermen’s rights and benefits in the forthcoming policy.
The event was chaired by the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Dr. Md
. Abdur Rouf, and attended by FAO Representative in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, officials from various departments, academics, and leaders from relevant associations. Dr. Md. Abul Hasnat, FAO’s National Project Coordinator, delivered the welcome speech, while Md. Shamsu Uddin, Project Director of Community Based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Bangladesh, presented the draft of the National Fisheries Policy 2025.