The government has taken initiatives to increase the natural production of indigenous fish and protect their breeding grounds, said Mohammad Aminur Rashid, Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture. He said fish sanctuaries are being established in haors, baors, rivers and even in the sea.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday (October 28) while addressing a fisheries research event at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI).
Highlighting the tradition of fish-based diets in Bangladesh and the government’s ongoing initiatives, the minister said that strong research efforts in the past had helped the country achieve self-sufficiency in fish production. Significant progress has also been made in farmed fish production, quality and feed management.
However, he noted that climate change and a lack of public awareness have pushed natural fish breeding grounds to the brink of destruction. He added that, under the direct instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is moving forward with increased budgetary allocations and long-term plans from this year to address the crisis.
The minister also outlined several priorities for fisheries researchers and scientists. He called for intensified research on the breeding and genetic improvement of indigenous fish species, as well as the restoration of several declining or locally lost species. He emphasized the need to address the adverse impacts of climate change, strengthen disease prevention measures and ensure the production of quality fish fry. He also urged researchers to explore the vast potential of coastal and marine fisheries resources.
Regarding the use of harmful fishing nets, the minister stressed that enforcement of the law alone would not be sufficient; public awareness must also be increased. He further called for safe fish production by avoiding feed containing substances that may pose risks to human health. Speaking about exports, Aminur Rashid said the government aims to export sufficient quantities of fish to international markets in the coming years. However, he stressed that quality standards would not be compromised under any circumstances.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said the taste of fish was deteriorating, primarily due to declining water quality. “If we can ensure the quality of the aquatic environment in which fish are supposed to grow, we will be able to develop this sector further,” he said.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Abdus Salam also addressed the event. The programme was chaired by Mohammad Latiful Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.
