Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today underscored the critical need to protect native fish species that are on the brink of extinction, highlighting the urgency for collaborative efforts to enhance fish production to satisfy the nation’s rising demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser emphasized the necessity of safeguarding endangered fish species while simultaneously increasing farmed fish production through sustainable and efficient practices. “To ensure adequate protein access for all citizens, it is crucial to protect all fish species, particularly those that are endangered,” she stated during a workshop. The event, titled “Infrastructure Development Project (Phase-I) to Increase the Capacity of Government Fish Farms and Fish Production,” was held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Auditorium under the Department of Fisheries.
Akhter noted the surge in commercial fish farming, often undertaken without adequate planning. She urged fisheries officials to continue their diligent efforts in raising awareness and providing training to promote more organized and efficient fish cultivation. She called on everyone to contribute to increasing farmed fish production in an organized and sustainable manner.
The adviser also highlighted the exceptional taste and nutritional value of indigenous fish species, emphasizing their role as a favorite source of animal protein for people across all age groups. She pointed out that no other country boasts such a diverse variety of fish, stressing the urgent need to protect native species nearing extinction. Once comprising 90 percent of the country’s fish population, indigenous species are rapidly declining, she warned.
Akhter underscored the importance of conservation efforts for these native fish and encouraged collective action to enhance the production of farmed fish. She acknowledged the significant contributions of fisheries officials and fish farmers to the nation and assured that all development projects should adhere to ideal and international standards. The government, she noted, is fully prepared to provide necessary support.
The workshop also featured speeches from Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md Abdur Rouf, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary (Routine Charge) Tofazzel Hossain, and Additional Secretary Syeda Nawara Jahan.