Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today called for coordinated efforts by all concerned to conserve Bangladesh's marine fisheries resources, saying fish is not merely a commercial commodity but directly connected to the country's food security. She described the use of harmful nets as the most alarming threat to marine biodiversity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inception workshop titled "Healthy Ocean" in a city hotel, organized by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Fish. She emphasized the collaboration of the Coast Guard, Navy, Department of Fisheries, and other responsible agencies in protecting marine resources. Farida highlighted the need to consider whether fish is being harvested solely from a commercial perspective, stressing that ensuring food for people is far more crucial.
Farida described the use of harmful nets as the greatest concern for marine biodiversity, pointing out that prohibited and unauthorized nets like "fash jal" and "behendi jal" trap fish of various sizes which die inside the nets, ultimately decreasing the overall stock of fish. Referring to the current situation of the Bay of Bengal, she cited a report by Dr Fritzof Nansen, which indicates a 78 percent decrease in fish availability in the Bay over the last seven years. She also noted marine oxygen depletion and rising plastic pollution as significant issues, though recent surveys have identified 65 new marine fish species, including five previously unknown globally.
The adviser stressed the importance of stricter enforcement of restrictions to control over-harvesting, suggesting that large vessels must not be permitted to catch indiscriminately and should be subjected to regulatory measures. She also mentioned the environmental damage caused by catching inedible fish, which are then discarded back into the sea, advocating for controlled mesh sizes and improved harvesting methods.
The programme was chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Mohammad Amir Hossain Chowdhury. Additional Secretary (Secretary-In-Charge) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commodore Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, and Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rouf were present as special guests. WCS Bangladesh Country Director Dr Md Jahangir Alam and World Fish Bangladesh Country Representative Dr Farook-Ul Islam delivered the welcome address.