The aquaculture industry in Asia, especially Bangladesh, could suffer a loss of US$140 million over ten years as a result of climate change. A better climate data set is therefore essential.
Asia is currently the world’s largest aquaculture producer, with Bangladesh ranking fifth, just behind of China, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
Fisheries play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economic landscape, providing sustenance as well as economic prosperity. In addition to providing non-vegetarian food for the country, it also generates substantial income.
Fish exports totaling 70,000 tons were made in the fiscal year 2022–2023, bringing in a noteworthy Tk 4,790.3 crore. The infusion of foreign revenue generated by fish exports significantly contributes to the nation’s overall growth.
By 2041, Bangladesh aims to produce 8.5 million MT of fish, demonstrating its commitment to the growth and sustainability of its fisheries.
The study showed that, climate change could cost Asia’s aquaculture industry US$140 million over ten years, especially in Bangladesh.
A total of 54,000 MT of aquaculture production were lost from 2011 to 2020 as a result of floods, worth US$93 million. Approximately US$248 million was lost in fish products due to cyclones, the second most destructive factor.
Due to Bangladesh’s disaster-prone nature, previous natural calamities have already demonstrated the severity of financial losses. The devastating floods following Cyclone Amphan in 2020 washed away fish and shrimp worth Tk 900 crore in the central, north, and southern districts. A dam in Bagherhat was destroyed by Cyclone Yaas in 2021, resulting in flooding of hundreds of fish grounds and houses. During the rapid flood of 2022, 1,655 hectares of fish, crab, and shrimp in Satkhira were flooded, resulting in a loss of Tk 8.46 crore. In 2023, Bangladesh was ravaged by Cyclone Midhili, triggering flash floods in coastal districts.
However, fish farmers can minimize losses from such events with reliable climate-related information. By providing science-based information and forecasts, climate service data empowers decision-makers to manage risk and to discover opportunities associated with climate variability and climate change.
Thus, climate information can help fish farmers make climate-sensitive decisions and manage production processes in order to reduce climate-related risks.
Dr. Rumana Hossainn, WorldFish scientist and lead author on the research said that, “We have found that aquaculture provides livelihoods for thousands of people. Our financial losses highlight the need to invest in Climate Information Services, which could have a game-changing impact on our aquaculture industry.”
Climate services for aquaculture have been slow to be adopted in countries in the Global South, according to the study.
In Bangladesh, a lack of awareness about economic benefits, inadequate education, and the use of such services for crops are the main reasons for this.
As the need for climate information seems quite urgent, experts suggest that the Fisheries Department could disseminate climate information from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. By doing so, the sector will be able to provide advice and manage the threats caused by climate change.
Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU
