Every year, the government imposes a 22-day nationwide ban on catching, transporting, storing, and selling hilsa during its peak breeding season in October-November, alongside a 58-day ban on all kinds of fishing in marine waters from April to June. These measures, introduced under fisheries conservation laws, are considered crucial for protecting spawning fish and allowing marine stocks to replenish. The 22-day breeding season ban is especially important because it protects brood hilsa during the main spawning period. During this time, mature hilsa migrate from the Bay of Bengal into rivers and estuaries to lay eggs. Preventing their capture ensures successful breeding and increases the future stock of juvenile fish, locally known as Jatka (Under 25 centimeters).

Similarly, the 58-day marine fishing ban plays a wider ecological role by protecting all marine species during critical breeding and growth phases. This period allows shark, whales, dolphins, rays, fish, shrimp, and other marine organisms in the Bay of Bengal to reproduce and mature without fishing pressure, which ultimately contributes to increased catches in subsequent seasons. Experts warn that over-exploitation and uncontrolled fishing pressure are rapidly depleting marine resources in Bangladesh’s coastal waters. The ban period is therefore crucial, as it provides fish and other marine species with the necessary time to breed and replenish their stocks, protect biodiversity, ensuring long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.

The significance of these bans is particularly profound in the Bangladeshi context, where fisheries remain a major pillar of the economy and a vital source of protein for millions of people. The GDP growth in the fisheries sector is 2.53 % and the contribution of the fisheries sector in the overall agriculture sector is 22.26 % in Fiscal Year 2022-23. To support affected fishermen, the government distribute vulnerable group feeding (VGF) rice. To ease the financial burden on fishing communities during the seasonal bans, the government has announced food assistance measures. Under the programme, each family received 25 kg of rice during the 22-day hilsa ban last year, while the government provided 78 kg of rice to every registered fisherman in the district during the 58-day marine fishing ban. In addition, several NGOs are working with fisher households affected by the ban period through a household-based approach to improve their livelihoods by promoting alternative income-generating activities.

Bangladesh government have warned that anyone violating the seasonal fishing bans may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 5 lakh, or both, under Bangladesh’s fisheries conservation laws. The strict penalties are aimed at discouraging illegal fishing and ensuring the protection of breeding fish stocks during critical conservation periods.

Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, is not only a cultural symbol but also a major economic resource that supports the livelihoods of countless fishers, handlers, traders, transport workers, and market stakeholders. According to recent fisheries data from Department of Fisheries, hilsa production has maintained a strong trend over the past five years. Production rose from approximately 5.50 lakh metric tonnes in 2019–20 to 5.71 lakh metric tonnes in 2022–23, demonstrating the success of conservation-driven management. Although the figure slightly declined to 5.29 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24, experts suggest that the overall trend still reflects significant long-term improvement compared to previous decades. The national fish as a single species has been making the highest contribution (10.55%) to the country’s total fish production. Geographical Indication Registration Certificate has also been achieved for our national fish hilsa named as ‘Bangladesh Ilish’ and also for tiger shrimp named as ‘Bangladesh Tiger Shrimp’. The observed increases in production are largely attributed to seasonal fishing bans, which help prevent overexploitation and ensure sustainable yields. Bangladesh’s total fish production has also shown steady growth, reaching over 50 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24, indicating the broader positive impact of seasonal open water fisheries conservation policies. In a country where fisheries contribute significantly to nutrition, employment, and export earnings, these bans represent more than temporary restrictions. These bans are strategic investments in sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and the future resilience of Bangladesh’s blue economy.

Al Shahriar
Fisheries Management Officer
Nature Conservation Management (NACOM)
Email: alshahriar12@gmail.com

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She made these remarks this morning while speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of the 10th Biennial Fisheries Conference, organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium.

The adviser said that fish is not just food to fill the stomach; it is a very important source of nutrition. Fish provides essential micronutrients, calcium, and other nutrients that help in the development of eyesight, bones, and intelligence. She added that fish-based food habits have played a major role in the intellectual development of the Bengali people.

Speaking about marine fisheries resources, she said Bangladesh has not yet fully used its potential. At present, only about 30 percent of these resources are being used, and even within this limited use, there are many problems. She explained that artisanal trawlers and industrial trawlers follow different fishing methods, and some technologies used by industrial trawlers have created new concerns. She said that going to sea seven times and catching fish only once is not acceptable, just as it is not right to use SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) technology to catch all fish in a single trip.

The fisheries adviser said that it has recently been found that around 70 out of 223 industrial trawlers are using SONAR technology, which has increased the risk of overfishing in the sea. To address these problems, effective policies are urgently needed. She said the government has taken an important step by deciding to update the National Fisheries Policy. Some reforms have already been made to the Fisheries Act, but more changes are needed, which she wants to implement during her tenure. She expressed serious concern about harmful fishing gear, saying that old fishing gear is now being modified in ways that damage the environment and biodiversity. In some cases, fish are even being caught using electric shocks, which is completely unacceptable.

She also said there is discrimination in providing incentives to fishers. Compared to the support given to the agriculture sector, fishers do not receive fair incentives. During fishing ban periods, fishers often do not get the assistance they need, which sometimes forces them to break the rules unwillingly.

The adviser said that hilsa breeding and migration are being severely disrupted due to reduced river depth, pollution, and the combined effects of climate change. She stressed that hilsa is not just a fish but a national asset. Just like dolphin conservation, hilsa protection should be part of a global movement. She added that obstacles in hilsa migration routes have been identified, and requests have been made to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to carry out necessary dredging in coordination with relevant agencies.

At the conference, the keynote paper was presented by Dr Faruk-ul Islam, Country Representative of WorldFish Bangladesh. FAO Representative in Bangladesh (ad-interim) Dr Dia Sanou spoke as an honoured guest. Special guests included Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Anuradha Bhadra, and Group Adviser of ACI PLC Dr F. H. Ansari.

The session was chaired by BFRF President Dr Joarder Faruk Ahmed. The welcome speech was delivered by Secretary General Dr Md Monirul Islam, and the vote of thanks was given by Vice President Dr Md Khaled Kanak.

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Adviser made the remarks while chairing a seminar titled “One Health Program: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Strategies”, organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock at Hotel Inter Continental on Wednesday afternoon.

The Adviser said presence of senior representatives from the ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Fisheries and Livestock at the same table reflected a real commitment at the policy level. “Today we are not only discussing One Health as a concept, but moving forward together in practice,” she said.

She emphasised that One Health should not remain a topic for speeches alone. “It requires real political commitment, policy alignment, and a willingness to work together. The era of fragmented action is over. What we need now is a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach,” she added.

The adviser pointed out that while people suffer from diseases, human actions often create health risks. Unsafe food, environmental pollution, excessive use of antibiotics, and unplanned urbanisation are major contributors to rising health threats. She stressed the need to prioritise prevention and strengthen primary healthcare to address these challenges.

She also highlighted that climate change, zoonotic diseases, food safety, and public health are closely linked. In response, the government has decided to implement the proposed One Health initiative through a single Development Project Proposal (DPP), jointly managed by the three ministries, with three project directors to ensure coordinated implementation across sectors.

Expressing optimism, Farida Akhter said that by considering human health, livestock, fisheries, and the environment together, Bangladesh would be able to implement One Health effectively and set a strong example for other countries.

Speaking as an honoured guest, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Water Resources, and Information and Broadcasting Syeda Rizwana Hasan said development planning must place environmental protection, biodiversity, and public health at its core. She warned that environmental destruction in the name of development ultimately harms society. “We can build roads and infrastructure, but we cannot recreate the Sundarbans or restore a river once it is destroyed,” she said.

She noted that climate change, pandemics, and environmental crises continue to remind us that all elements of nature are deeply interconnected. “Humans are not owners of nature; we are part of it,” she said.

Rizwana Hasan also identified major obstacles to implementing One Health, including excessive procedural complexity, weak coordination among ministries, and delays in decision-making. She called for the formation of effective advisory committees at national and district levels, along with clearly defined focal points in each ministry.

Another honoured guest, Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that human health must remain central to the One Health approach. He explained that the importance of fish, livestock, and environmental health ultimately lies in their impact on human health, food safety, and livelihoods.

Describing the proposed One Health project as an “eye-opening” initiative for Bangladesh, he said it aims to build the capacity to detect health risks early and respond in a timely manner by viewing people, animals, and nature through a single integrated framework.

A joint keynote presentation on One Health was delivered by IEDCR Director Professor Dr Tahmina Shirin, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Md Zahidul Kabir, and Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Md Abu Sufian.

The seminar was also attended by Planning Commission Member (Secretary) Dr Kaiyum Ara Begum, Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, Environment Ministry Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, and Planning Commission Member (Secretary) for Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman. Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber delivered the vote of thanks.

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As a partner organisation of ANB, Seafood Network Bangladesh (SNB) attended the workshop to cover industry developments and promote sector-wide knowledge sharing. Representatives from FISHBYTE, another ANB partner, were also present and participated actively in the discussions.

Broad Representation Across Government, Academia, and Industry

The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Monirul Islam (University of Dhaka / BFRF).
Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammed Zaber, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended as Chief Guest.

Distinguished Special Guests included:

• Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General, Department of Fisheries
• Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Marine University

The workshop began with a welcome session and an introduction to ANB delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Lifat Rahi of Khulna University (BSFF).

ANB’s partner organizations represented at the event included Bangladesh Marine University (BMU), Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF), private sector partner FISHBYTE.

Workshop Sessions and Key Presentations

The workshop aimed to:

• Share findings from recent regional dialogues with shrimp, finfish, hatchery, and smallholder farming communities.
• Facilitate policy-oriented discussions between government, researchers, industry, and field-level actors.
• Identify strategic priorities needed to guide a future National Aquaculture Policy.

Keynote presentations included:

• Dr. Md. Motaleb Hossain – Current status and advancement of Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector
• Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Wahab – Why Bangladesh needs a National Aquaculture Policy
• Dr. Maria Zaman – Integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into aquaculture development

Following the technical session, a panel discussion and an open floor dialogue allowed participants to exchange practical perspectives on industry challenges, governance gaps, and policy opportunities.

Toward a More Sustainable and Inclusive Aquaculture Policy

The workshop concluded with shared expectations to:

• Establish clear and actionable policy priorities for sustainable aquaculture development.
• Strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms between government, academia, private sector, and farming communities.
• Enhance stakeholder networking to encourage coordinated sector growth.
• Develop practical, inclusive, and climate-resilient recommendations for the proposed National Aquaculture Policy of Bangladesh.

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The ban was first imposed after white spot virus was detected in Indian shrmp. This restriction badly hurt exporters—especially in Andhra Pradesh, India’s top shrimp-producing state—forcing them to rely heavily on the US market. When the US later imposed high tariffs on Indian seafood, exporters began talks with Australia to reopen trade.

On the third day of his visit, Lokesh confirmed that Australia had approved the first import of Indian shrimp. “A long-standing hurdle for Indian seafood exporters has been removed,” he said on X (formerly Twitter). “The first import approval for Indian shrimp has been granted.”

Lokesh said the move would boost India’s aquaculture exports and reduce dependence on a single market. He thanked both governments for working together to resolve the issue and support seafood trade.

During his trip, Lokesh met officials from Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), including CEO Veronica Papacosta and engagement manager Jasmine Kelleher. They discussed possible partnerships in seafood processing, quality improvement, and expanding imports from India.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s dominance in seafood exports—accounting for more than 60% of India’s aquaculture output—Lokesh noted that the state exported 16.98 million tons worth $7.4 billion in 2024–25. He called for stronger trade ties, technology exchange, and investment in cold chain and packaging facilities to improve quality and sustainability.

Lokesh also encouraged cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable aquaculture, adding that seafood trade could further strengthen India-Australia economic relations.

Seafood Industry Australia, representing over 30,000 members across fishing, aquaculture, and processing, contributes around AUD 3.5 billion to the Australian economy each year.

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In Ho Chi Minh City, several companies are leading the charge. Phuc Loc Co. Ltd. processes around 60 tonnes of by-products daily to produce 4,000–5,000 tonnes of fishmeal annually, generating revenues of 72–90 billion VND (approximately 3–3.9 million USD). Similarly, Tu Hai Co. Ltd. exports cleaned and dried fish bones to Japan, earning 10–12 billion VND annually.

On the research front, the Southern Research Institute for Marine Fisheries converts mixed crab species into canned crab paste and chitosan powder, a high-value raw material for healthcare and agriculture, sold at up to 1,000 USD per kilogram. Beyond industrial applications, companies like Hai Lan Co. Ltd. transform shells into souvenirs, artwork, and jewelry, reaching global markets through platforms like Alibaba.

Forecasts from the agriculture and environment sector indicate a massive potential for seafood by-products. Shrimp heads alone could provide 490,000 tonnes of food products, pangasius offcuts 100,000 tonnes, and fish oil 150,000 tonnes annually. By 2030, shrimp by-products could reach 650,000 tonnes worth 80–100 million USD, while pangasius by-products could hit 1.3 million tonnes, valued at over 500 million USD.

Officials highlight that converting by-products into resources requires a strategic approach, supported by policies, investment, and collaboration among businesses and scientists. This transformation not only creates tens of thousands of jobs but also reduces environmental pressure from seafood waste.

Currently, Vietnam generates roughly one million tonnes of seafood by-products annually, yet only a fraction is processed, with the sector’s current value at around 275 million USD—far below its billion-dollar potential.

By turning seafood waste into “blue gold,” Vietnam is setting an example of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the global seafood industry.

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Tariffs Upend a Dependable Trade Flow

The U.S. recently imposed a 58% tariff on Indian shrimp including anti-dumping and the extra 25%. For an industry where margins are already thin, the move has made Indian shrimp far less competitive in its top export destination.

As a result, shipments have slowed drastically. Exporters report cancelled or postponed orders, while inventories of frozen shrimp pile up in cold storage. Processing plants, which rely on steady exports to keep their lines running, have scaled back operations.

Farmers’ Plight: Falling Prices, Mounting Debts

Shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh and other coastal states are among the hardest hit. With exporters cutting back purchases, farm-gate prices have plunged, making it nearly impossible for farmers to cover the cost of feed, pond maintenance, and loans.

Many have warned they may abandon shrimp cultivation altogether. One farmer told U.S. public radio that the situation is “very, very bad” and might force him to stop farming after his next harvest. For smallholders, the combination of low prices and outstanding bank debts is pushing them into financial distress.

Exporters/Processors: Factories and Markets Under Pressure

Exporters — who are also the processors running India’s shrimp factories — face a different but equally damaging crisis. With U.S. demand drying up, their frozen inventories are swelling. To stay liquid, they have cut the price offered to farmers, which in turn worsens the farmers’ position.

Processing plants have slowed production lines, with reports of workers losing hours or shifts. This is particularly devastating for thousands of women who depend on shrimp peeling and packing jobs to support their families.

The U.S. tariff shock has also disrupted shipping schedules, forcing exporters to renegotiate contracts and absorb losses on already shipped consignments.

Coping Strategies: Diversification and Survival Tactics

Despite the disruption, the industry is trying to adapt:

• Shifting Markets: Exporters are gradually redirecting inventories toward Europe, China, and the Middle East, though competition and strict standards remain obstacles.
• Domestic Push: There are growing calls within India to promote shrimp consumption domestically, positioning it as a healthy protein source and a buffer against export volatility.
• Inventory Management: Exporters are working to slowly reduce their frozen stockpiles, even if that means taking losses in the short term.

Farmers, meanwhile, are experimenting with survival strategies. Some are considering switching to other forms of aquaculture, such as fish, which face less export dependency. Others are seeking collective bargaining through local associations to press for government relief.

Outlook: A Supply Chain Under Strain

The tariff war has exposed how vulnerable India’s shrimp industry is to policy shocks in a single key market. Farmers, processors, and exporters are all entangled in the same struggle — one side cannot survive without the other.

For now, the sector is in damage-control mode: exporters are offloading inventories, farmers are hanging on through a poor season, and policymakers are being urged to step in with support. The real test will be whether India can successfully diversify away from overreliance on the U.S. market, and in the process, build a more resilient shrimp supply chain or successful to make a good deal with Trump administration.

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The first training, “Pilot Capacity Building & Practical Field-Based Engagement and Demonstration for Farmers,” focused on smallholder aquaculture challenges. The second, “Nursery Pond Knowledge Building for Women & Practical Demonstration,” was exclusively dedicated to empowering women farmers with the knowledge and skills required to manage and operate nursery ponds as viable enterprises.

Both sessions combined classroom theory with extensive field demonstrations, allowing participants to learn about pond preparation, biosecurity, water quality testing (pH, alkalinity, salinity), feed management, disease prevention, and economic record-keeping. Farmers not only observed but also practiced techniques such as liming, fry handling, and water testing — a rare and invaluable opportunity that was deeply appreciated.

Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that this was the first time they had received such detailed, hands-on guidance. Many shared that if they had been trained in this way earlier, their farming practices could have already improved significantly.

The trainings were facilitated by FISHBYTE adviser Mr. Taslim Mahmood, an internationally renowned Bangladeshi shrimp consultant with experience across Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. His practical demonstrations and global expertise resonated strongly with the participants. The sessions also saw the presence of FISHBYTE’s founder, Zubair Khan, Seafood Network Bangladesh’s women empowerment coordinator, Rezwana Shafique, Shushilan’s Program Director, Satchinando Biswas, and Program Implementation & Technical Team Leader, Rajib Ghosh, among others. On the second day, the Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer attended the nursery pond training, expressing his satisfaction with the initiative.

These programs were part of Activity #6 under ANB (Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh) — a multi-stakeholder platform launched in February 2025 through its inaugural workshop in Dhaka, attended by national and international partners. ANB unites national NGOs, universities, private enterprises, and global research organizations to tackle Bangladesh’s aquaculture challenges collaboratively. Activity #6 is being supported by partners including Khulna University, Evolved Research & Consulting (ERC, UK), MacAlister Elliott & Partners (MEP, UK), and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

By highlighting both sustainable, nature-based shrimp farming and women’s empowerment in aquaculture, these trainings marked a meaningful step forward for the coastal communities of Paikgacha. With continued collaboration among partners, the ANB aims to scale such initiatives, creating resilient livelihoods and fostering equitable growth across Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.

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She said the number of open waterbodies in the country is shrinking fast, which is a major threat to fish production. “We must identify important waterbodies, set up sanctuaries, and make sure our policies directly deal with these challenges. Protecting open-water fisheries is the only way to secure our biodiversity for the future,” she urged.

Farida Akhter also warned that many native fish are facing the risk of genetic extinction. She reminded that fish are an essential part of the Bangladeshi diet and conserving them is important not only for the country but also for global fisheries.

Highlighting the achievements of BFRI, she said the institute has successfully restored 41 local fish species that were once close to extinction, out of a total of 64 species under threat.

She also expressed concern about harmful fishing practices, such as the use of poison and electricity, which destroy aquatic life. Pollution, especially from plastics, is worsening the problem. “The recent global meeting on plastic waste could not reach an agreement. Since the proposed treaty was harmful for both people and nature, Bangladesh did not sign it,” she explained.

The seminar was chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra and attended by senior officials, scientists, fishers, and other guests.

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The ban, which began on April 15 and will continue until June 12, is intended to allow marine fish stocks to regenerate. But with no alternative income sources, many fishermen are struggling to survive.

According to the government’s relief plan, each affected fisherman is supposed to receive 86 kg of rice, split into two phases: 56 kg in the first phase and 30 kg in the second. However, as of May 14, the rice has yet to reach the majority of the fishermen in Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Chakaria, and Pekua upazilas.

“We are barely surviving. Some families are going half-fed or completely without food,” said Rahim Uddin, a fisherman from Kutubjum Union, Maheshkhali.

The crisis is worse in Teknaf, where at least 12,000 fishermen families haven’t received their food aid. The situation is also grim in Maheshkhali, where out of 28,000 fishermen, 15,832 are registered but none have received their share of rice yet.

Md Badruzzaman, Cox’s Bazar District Fisheries Officer, confirmed the delay. “The government rice has not arrived yet. Once we receive it, we’ll start immediate distribution.”

Multiple Challenges Compound the Crisis

Aside from the seasonal ban, fishermen have faced months of hardship due to natural disasters, rough seas, and growing threats from the Myanmar-based Arakan Army. Over 200 Bangladeshi fishermen have been kidnapped in recent months, including 23 just days before the fishing ban began.

Md Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Teknaf Fishing Boat Owners’ Association, stated, “Many fishermen live in fear. Even before the ban, they couldn’t fish safely due to kidnapping threats.”

Trawler owners like Abdul Amin of Shahparir Dwip, and union representatives such as Abdul Mannan, say the lack of food aid has left entire communities desperate. “These families rely solely on fishing. No income means no food.”

A Call for Urgent Action

There are more than 128,000 fishermen working on approximately 6,000 small and large trawlers in Cox’s Bazar district, according to the local fishing boat owners’ association. 90% of them had already been struggling before the ban due to weather-related disruptions and hostile conditions at sea.

With no aid yet delivered, their situation grows more desperate by the day.

As Bangladesh works to protect marine resources through temporary bans, stakeholders are urging the government to ensure timely delivery of promised aid to help these communities survive the fishing off-season.

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