The Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh (ANB) hosted a three-day workshop and seminar at The Westin, Dhaka, under the theme “Building Bridges in Aquaculture.” The event brought together leaders from government agencies, universities, private companies, research institutes, and development partners to discuss the future of aquaculture in Bangladesh.
As a proud member of ANB, Seafood Network Bangladesh (SNB) took part in the sessions, reinforcing its role as a platform that connects the seafood industry with knowledge, insight, and policy dialogue.
Diverse Representation Across the Sector
The workshop welcomed a strong list of participants, including:
- Government and Policy Leaders: Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, alongside senior representatives from DoF.
- Research and Academia: Experts from Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Khulna University, Dhaka University, and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
- International Partners: Specialists from Cefas (UK), WorldFish, and FAO Bangladesh.
- Private Sector Leaders: M. A. Hassan Panna (Desh Bangladesh Hatchery, Fahim Seafood), Burhan Uddin (Rowzan Feed & Agro), exporters, and processing industry representatives.
- Civil Society and Development Partners: Shushilan, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF), Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF), among others.
Key Issues and Insights
Sessions over the three days covered pressing issues for the aquaculture and seafood industry:
- Seed and biosecurity challenges in shrimp and other crustacean farming.
- Sustainable finfish production, especially tilapia and seabass.
- The role of policy and regulation in strengthening small-scale aquaculture.
- Capacity building and training opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry workers.
- Partnerships and network resilience, ensuring continued collaboration among stakeholders.
Small group discussions allowed industry representatives, researchers, and policymakers to share challenges and propose solutions, helping shape a practical roadmap for Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.
SNB’s Role
For Seafood Network Bangladesh, participating in the ANB workshop reflects its ongoing commitment to serve as an information hub for the seafood industry. By bringing real-time updates, sector insights, and knowledge exchange to professionals, SNB helps bridge the gap between policy, research, and market realities.
Through ANB, SNB will continue to highlight industry voices, share critical updates, and promote innovation that benefits farmers, processors, exporters, and the wider seafood community.
Moving Forward
The Dhaka workshop demonstrated that Bangladesh’s aquaculture and seafood industries are strongest when working together. With diverse stakeholders united under ANB, the path forward promises greater collaboration, innovation, and resilience—ensuring that aquaculture continues to contribute to food security, livelihoods, and the national economy.
