Mariculture or marine farming refers to the raising of marine organisms for harvest in seawater. It can be done in a natural setting (including estuarine, brackish, coastal and offshore seas). In addition to natural environments, mariculture can be practiced in artificial enclosures like tanks, ponds, raceways, and channels.
A total of 26 profitable blue economy development and economic sectors have been identified in Bangladesh within its current 1, 18, 813 sq. km maritime boundaries for the full exploitation of ocean-based resources. The marine fisheries and aquaculture sector has the greatest potential for boosting overall economic growth and improving the standard of living for Bangladesh’s many thousands of coastal rural residents. Aquaculture and marine fisheries hold great promise under the blue economy model.
Over the past 40 years, Bangladesh has made few attempts to advance mariculture, with the exception of Black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farming, which uses time-honored and modernized comprehensive traditions in the coastal areas. There are vast opportunities for thriving mariculture along the coast, in the vicinity of the beach, and offshore after the ultimate resolution of maritime border conflicts. With coastal and marine species including seaweed, macro algae, shellfish (such as mussels, oysters, etc.), sea urchin, sea cucumber, etc., Bangladesh may quickly begin marine aquaculture.
The mariculture of marine species such as sea bass (Lates calcarifer), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), pomfret (Pampus argenteus), hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), saline-tolerant tilapia, and others. The mariculture of marine shellfish such as shrimp (Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, P. Merguiensis), mud Seaweeds (both macro and micro algae), mussels including the green mussel (Perna viridis), the clam (Meretrix meretrix), and the oyster (Crassostrea madrasensis), corals, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and other marine non-traditional species are also crucial for marine aquaculture in Bangladesh.
The country would be able to achieve the desired solutions for the requirements of mass protein in the diet of the people for the success of mariculture. It will be helpful to obtain sustainable benefits in economic sectors. Mariculture are implemented under the concept of blue economy development and the seventh 5 Year Plan of the Government of Bangladesh. If these opportunities are successful, GDP of Bangladesh will enhance to great extant.
Because of the growth of mariculture, it lowers the market value of wild fish, shrimp, mollusks and consequently, the investment in fishing fleets. It can ease pressure on these species, increase stock by reducing overfishing and less bio-fuel consumption. It helps to maintain a balance in coastal and marine ecosystems.
Properly managed coastal aquaculture and mariculture offer considerable potential for green growth and job possibilities for coastal communities while releasing less CO2. Many coastal communities rely on mariculture as a major source of income and employment, as well as a major producer of aquatic food in coastal and deeper oceans. Through prospects for export, mariculture can assist both food security and economic growth. The economy and environment of Bangladesh can be enhanced by creating a strong and long-lasting mariculture sector there.
Mariculture has enormous potential for the growth of Bangladesh’s blue economy. The government should ascertain the present condition of the prospects and difficulties for expanding the sector. The socioeconomic situation of the country can be improved by developing its mariculture system through the wise use of marine resources.
Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
