According to Azhar Ali, Chief Scientific Officer at the Saidpur sub-center, the BFRI headquarters in Mymensingh has officially recognized the breakthrough. “We aim to distribute Gotali fish fingerlings to farmers by mid-2025, which will help reintroduce the species to canals, rivers, and wetlands across the country,” he said.

Gotali fish, known for its distinct flat head, elongated body, and rich taste, had nearly disappeared from Bangladeshi waters. The species, typically growing up to 12 cm in length and 15–17 grams in weight, was categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2015 due to habitat loss and declining reproduction.

The breeding process involves injecting hormones into mature female Gotali fish, which leads to egg laying within 7–8 hours. The eggs hatch in 8–10 hours, and under careful care, the larvae grow into fingerlings within 50 to 60 days.

Historically, Gotali inhabited freshwater bodies, hill streams, and clear shallow rivers such as the Teesta, Atrai, Someshwari, Kongsha, Piain, Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna. Over the years, environmental degradation and water pollution pushed the species to the brink of extinction.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Saidpur freshwater center began focused research in 2006, and launched the Gotali restoration project in 2023. The team behind this milestone includes Azhar Ali, Senior Scientific Officers Sonia Sharmin and Maliha Hossain, and Scientific Officer Sribas Kumar Saha. The successful hatchery-level production of Gotali fingerlings was achieved in July 2024.

As part of BFRI’s broader initiative to conserve endangered species, 41 out of 261 listed extinct or endangered native fish have already been successfully bred in controlled environments. Of them, 12 species are currently being distributed to fish farmers for cultivation and rehabilitation.

Maliha Hossain, a senior scientist at the center, highlighted Gotali’s potential as a nutrient-rich, delicious fish, ideal for local consumption. The breeding success marks a significant leap for sustainable aquaculture and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh.

Experts hope that with proper dissemination of the breeding technology, Gotali fish will return to local markets and plates, restoring not only ecological balance but also a cherished part of the country’s culinary heritage.

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A team of Bangladesh Fish Research Institute (BFRI) scientists, led by Dr Md Lutiful Islam, witnessed this success at the start of the year at Khulna’s Paikgacha Brackishwater Station.

The silver grunt Pomadasys hasta (Bloch, 1790) is also known as “Datina” throughout Bangladesh. The fish is localized in coastal brackish and salt water along the coast of Bangladesh under the name ‘Sada Datina’ of the family Haemulidae. It is possible to market them fresh or salted. There is also a wide distribution of this species in the Indo-West Pacific: from the Red Sea to the Philippines, to southern Japan, and northern Australia.

In coastal areas, datina fish can be found in three varieties. However, Datina’s population has declined due to several factors, which has prompted scientists to breed this fish artificially.

Datina spawn was collected from the River Shibsha by the center for research in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. A pond at the center was used to rear the spawn, which was fed conventional floating food. It becomes fertile only after weighing 200 to 400 grams, at about two years of age. The peak breeding season for this fish takes place during the winter months [December-January].  Through hormone treatment, fish from the pond were collected and put into a hatchery at the research center to produce spawn.

Mizanur Rahman, the centre’s scientific officer, said that while research on the feed and egg-laying capacity of the Datina had been conducted in one or two countries, no research had been conducted on artificial insemination for breeding Datinas.

“We are very proud of the first-ever success in breeding Datina fish in Bangladesh,” he said. 

Induced breeding has already been successful at the BFRI in producing spawn from 24 species of local and near-extinct fish. A number of research projects have been conducted at the centre, including the production of lobster fry through captive breeding, the development of scientific methods for lobster farming, identifying the natural sources of lobster, and researching the detrimental impacts of spawn collection on biodiversity. Moreover, a Fish Live Gene Bank has been established. Thus, BFRI scientists have reached another milestone with the spawning of Datina.

There is a limited number of natural sources of quality fish seed available in Bangladesh. Through induced breeding, it is possible to obtain fry and fingerlings out of season. By using this technique, it is also possible to selectively raise fast-growing, disease-resistant, temperature-tolerant, and tasty strains of cultivated fish.

Hence, scientists at BFRI are optimistic that artificial breeding will have a significant impact on Bangladesh’s fishery sector in the near future.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Within Bangladesh, fish constitutes more than 60% of the intake of animal protein, with the bulk sourced from local aquaculture. Rohu, one of the significant aquaculture species in Bangladesh, plays a crucial role in providing sustenance and generating money for underprivileged farmers.

In spite of this, private hatcheries are indiscriminately crossing different species, including Rohu, for purely commercial gain, putting the existence of the original breed in danger. The widespread concern in hatchery stocks is caused by unplanned hybridization, adverse selection, and mating from a finite population.

Furthermore, it was revealed that hatchery proprietors were intentionally producing unplanned and unregulated crossbreeds of several fish species, like different carps – Rohu, Rohu – mrigel, and carp – mirror carp.

Several hatchery owners and employees breed fish using low-quality broods that produce sickly or underweight offspring, which results in an excess of deaths in aquaculture ponds.

Their only motive for engaging in this malpractice is to capture one of the most lucrative markets: fish fries and fingerlings. The local farmers mistakenly buy these crossbreeding fry, resulting in a deficient level of production.

To overcome this problem, scientists at Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) have developed a new variety called ‘Subarna Rohu,’ which was bred from Rohu of different rivers to produce a variety with a distinct flavor.

Dr. Yahia Mahmud, the director general of BFRI, states that the original Rohu breed is facing imminent extinction due to hatchery owners engaging in crossbreeding Rohu with other fish species, resulting in genetic deterioration and inbreeding depression.

Contrary to the practices of private hatcheries that rely on arbitrary procreation, BFRI developed the high-yielding Subarna Rohu by cross-matching high-quality Rohu from rivers such as the Halda, Jamuna, and Brahmaputra.

Researchers from BFRI hope the new variety of Rohu will enhance production, protecting the native breed.

However, this is not the first time the rohu gene has been improved in Bangladesh. The WorldFish launched the Rohu Genetic Improvement Program in 2012, which involved the collection of spawn from the Halda, Padma, and Jamuna rivers. After three generations of selection, the program developed the third-generation rohu in 2020-2021. There was a 37% increase in the growth rate of the WorldFish G3 rohu strain when compared to the conventional rohu strain.

Dr. Mahmud claims that BFRI’s Subarna Rohu is the fourth generation of fish with a production that is 20.12 percent higher than current kinds. The variety was produced after a decade of intensive study, and it has been made available for public consumption.

As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence in 2021, BFRI released Subarna Ruhi fries for reproduction to government and private hatcheries for reproduction. As a result, hatcheries have begun marketing the fish in major kitchen markets in the capital and elsewhere.

Officials concerned say a Subarna Rohu may weigh as much as 3 kilograms due to its red complexion and larger size than ordinary Rohu.

Bangladesh produces 46.21 lakh tons of fish, with Rohu securing the top spot as a single species with 11.32 percent. Based on fish production in pond aquaculture in Bangladesh, Rohu (250,000 tons) ranks third after Pangas (450,000 tons) and Tilapia (320,000 tons).

Rohu accounts for 14.10 percent of the total fish production in the country, almost half of which comes from cultivated fisheries.

According to WorldFish statistics, Bangladesh produces 319,000 tons of Rohu fish per year, valued at over US$950 million wholesale. 

With the introduction of the Subarna Rohu, BFRI scientists calculated that fish farmers could earn an additional Taka 3,000 crore a year.

A target of 8.6 million tons of fish per year is set by the Bangladeshi government by 2041. It will be much easier for Bangladesh to achieve this target with the improved genetic breed of “Subarna Rohu.”

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Species of Ostrea, Crassostrea, and Pycnodonte are true oysters (family Ostreidae). The Olympia oyster, O. lurida, the European flat oyster, O. edulis, and O. frons are common species of Ostrea. The Portuguese oyster, C. angulata, the North American, or Virginia, oyster, C. virginica, and the Japanese oyster, C. gigas, are all species of Crassostrea. The majority of the species of pearl oysters (family Aviculidae) belong to the genus Meleagrina, sometimes known as Pinctada or Margaritifera.

What is the importance of oyster?

Due to their excessively significant impact on the environment and other species in an ecosystem, oysters are considered keystone species. Because they drastically alter and produce new habitat for other species by constructing reefs, oysters are also ecosystem engineers. As oysters consume phytoplankton, they aid in the prevention of toxic algal blooms like red tide by eliminating algal cells before they build up to dangerous levels. Additionally, these can gather chemical pollutants, dangerous microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, and marine biotoxins, thereby eliminating them from the water column. Oysters are essential to the aquatic ecosystem’s filtration mechanism. Oysters are filter feeders, which means they remove surplus nutrients, organic materials, and algae from the water column as they grow. As sediments are stabilised by oyster beds, the shoreline is better able to withstand storms and erosion. Oyster reefs can also store carbon and prevent the erosion of nearby habitats like salt marshes, which helps with carbon sequestration in these environments.

Over 2,000 years have passed since true oysters were first farmed for food. Additionally, pearl oysters have long been prized for the priceless pearls that grow inside of them. Fishes, sea stars, snails, birds, and birds themselves all consume oysters. The commonly found oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinenea) eats live tissue by drilling a tiny hole in the oyster shell. They have omega-3 fatty acids, are a healthy source of protein, numerous vitamins, antioxidants, and are a good source of minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron. All of these aid in cell maintenance and repair, immune system boosting, and defence against chronic conditions including heart disease. Oysters are a wholesome food source that are abundant in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Their value as food has enabled many nations that cultivate them to increase their foreign exchange profits.

Prospects of oyster culture in Bangladesh:

In Bangladesh, the growth of edible oysters and mussels that produce pearls is made possible by the climate, soil chemistry, physical characteristics of the water, and temperature. By cultivating oysters in estuaries and other suitable waters where hydrographic conditions support the growth, oyster culture can be a method of obtaining food from the sea in Bangladesh. It makes sense as a way to give coastal populations an artisanal occupation, either as their main source of income or to boost overall revenue. The latter is true in coastal regions where aquaculture and fishing are complementary industries; when the sea gets too harsh for fishing, the small-scale fisherman can turn to his oyster farm to be able to provide for his family. Furthermore, by diversifying the sources of revenue for fishermen, oyster farming, if it becomes widely practiced, can aid in reducing fishing pressure in overfished waters. Furthermore, there is a success story of pearl culture in Hajipara village of Sonarai union of Domar upazila in Nilphamary district along with fish farming.

The Prime Minister also advises a scheme called pearl farming. Since its inception, BFRI has offered farmers technical assistance. Earlier, pearl oysters were produced in a variety of ways. The demand for image type pearls is great since they are professionally farmed.

Therefore, BFRI is providing the design dice (design dice also made from mother of pearl, is inserted into the oyster, the pearl becomes the shape of the dice. It’s like baking cakes in differently shaped moulds. It’s called image type pearl) to the farmers and they are also connecting farmers in different pearl market and organizations. It has good demand among local and Indian buyers. Currently, the market is dominated by Vietnamese, China and Indian pearls which are larger and better quality. Our local pearl industry is in very early stage, yet it’s profitable for the farmers.

Our freshwater of area has a lot of potential for pearl farming. Bangladesh has begun to cultivate edible oysters in addition to pearl oysters. If these initiatives are effective and these farming methods are made more accessible to farmers, oyster culture in Bangladesh may develop into a long-lasting and lucrative industry.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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Snakehead fish are valuable as a food source, which is abundant in vital amino acids and fatty acids. These can aid tissue growth, wound healing, and complement nutrients such as food supplements and medications. They mostly takes place in the shallow inundated areas of the rivers lakes and streams.

Snakehead fish could be found from mid-April to August, with the peak reproductive maturity occurring in June at a natural wetland in Bangladesh. Snakehead fish like Taki (Channa punctatus), Shoal (Channa striatus), Gajar (Channa marulius) and Raga (Channa gachua) spawn in the clear water of the shallow areas of newly flooded reservoirs during the first rains of Baisakh month (1st month of Bengali year). After the eggs hatch, the offspring move around in clear water under the direct supervision of their parents (Parental Care). In many parts of the country, it is called “Baish”.

Nowadays, local people are destroying their natural cycle of life by catching these “Baish”. They first hunt the parent fish of Taki, Shol and Gajar species with kuch/teda/harpoon for their meal. After that, Khuiya Jaal, Mosquito Net or Gamcha are used to catch the baby fry for eating and selling. By doing this, they are ending the lineage of snakehead species day by day. These species become threatened due to illegal catching of fry and brood fish during breeding season of snakehead fish. Besides these, habitat loss, climate change also hampered to decrease the stock of snakehead fish.

These fry catches are punishable offenses under the Fisheries Acts 1950, 1985 and 2000. Catching of baish was also prohibited in the Indian Fisheries Act 1897 of British India in the past. However, people continuously, ignoring these rules and regulations for the own benefit. They did not think for next generations who will not find these native species.

Previously, 67 native fish species have perished from the natural world, but the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) is doing research to resurrect the lost fish species. Appropriate law enforcement as well as massive awareness are needed to mitigate these problems. For saving the stock of snakehead fish and maintaining sustainable fish abundance in nature, people should aware of its after effect.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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The Fisheries Research Institute’s fresh water sub-center, which is located in Saidpur in Nilphamari, has taken steps to protect the fish species. Since 2018, the researchers at this location have succeeded in artificially reproducing Jarua fish and producing their fry.

In the sub-center’s reservoirs and laboratories, researchers are experimenting with newly discovered species. According to Azhar Ali, the sub-center’s chief scientific officer, “Small fish contribute 30-35 percent to fish output in Bangladesh. The incorporation of Jarua fish and artificial reproduction will aid in expanding fish farming in that continuation. The fish’s natural habitat is in deep, clean water on the bottom of freshwater reservoirs.

Director General (DG) Yahia Mahmud of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute claimed that there used to be an abundance of Jarua fish in various regions of the nation. He said that the Jarua fish was progressively going extinct. In the northern region, the fish is quite well-liked. However, the reproduction of fish is limited by water body pollution, the building of improvised dams, the use of nets, and current nets in rivers. In this instance, the Syedpur Freshwater Sub-Center conducted study on the fish.

The research paper states that the Jarua fish’s reproductive season lasts from January to February. Fish weighing one and a half grams that are healthy and free of disease are taken from rivers and lakes one and a half months before to the breeding season and released into ponds that the sub-center has prepared. There, 150 fish were raised for one month, including three rajpunti, three rui, two silver carp, and two carp. Later, the breeding mother fishes (brood) are generated. The supplement feed for these fish is 30%. This is followed by monitoring of the pond’s temperature, water quality, dissolved oxygen level, and total alkalinity. Ponds with air radiators added have more oxygen in the water. Fish body development and maturity were assessed by pulling the net after 15 days of storage. A mature 100 g jarua fish will contain 12 to 23,000 eggs. The maturation period for these fish is between seven and eight months, and they hatch between 84 and 109 hours.

The development of artificial breeding methods presents a fantastic chance to advance the aquaculture industry. When farmers can culture jarua fish, they will able to make profit.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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The 4^th generation breed was created in 2020 by BFRI after extensive research. Rui fish brood was gathered for research purposes from natural areas including the Jamuna, Brahmaputra, and Halda rivers.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh, a newly improved variety has been developed. This breed is known as “Suborno Rui or Golden Rui” for this reason.

What is the specialty of this fish?

Researchers found that the new variety of Rui grows quickly and is at least 20.12% more productive than the original breed. Additionally, its red color makes it look quite appealing. The fish is delicious as well.

On June 10, 2021, the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), an institution of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, released the fish at the field level in the presence of the secretary. The Department of Fisheries transferred these fish to nine of its hatcheries and one private hatchery. There are currently more fish fries being produced for distribution around the country.

The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute’s new breed of rui fish, the “Suborno Rui,” is being produced and fishermen are considering the potential financial benefits. Its seeds have expanded across the nation in the first year of invention.

Additionally, “Suborno Rui” can be grown in freshwater and semi-saline ponds, beels, and harbors. The country’s harvest is expected to exceed 80,000 kilograms, according to researchers. The stakeholders think that this variety will be important to the fishery because it produces at a higher rate than the local type. The research institute anticipates that because of this variety’s rapid growth, it will soon be expanded at the field level.

Potentiality of Golden Rui fish

Bengali means fish and rice, as the proverb goes. A Bengali who enjoys food will almost always will be enjoy having fish dish. People who do not enjoy Rui fish are numbered in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh’s government claims that of all the domesticated fish, rui is the most important commercially and also wants to export golden rui fish abroad. This fish has been the subject of investigation for long time in Bangladesh. To improve production before this, the first generation of rui fish was created in 2009. The fourth generation of this breed is the result of additional study.

All contemporary methods have become widely used in fish farming across the nation. With the aid of technology, large companies have begun modern fish farming, joining young educated youth and businessmen.

Carp type fishes make up 21% of the total amount of fish produced in the nation, according to data from the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI). Rui fish makes up the greatest portion of them, at 11%.

BFRI created this amazingly productive new breed of rui fish out of a desire to conserve the fish breed. The cultivation of golden rui has already expanded to several regions of the nation.

In both governmental and private hatcheries, breed and fry production is anticipated to begin very soon. A rise in demand has also been seen for golden rui. Bangladesh’s economy will benefit from increased foreign exchange and domestic profit as a result of Golden Rui fish production.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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There were two known species of this fish in the country for some time now, they are also on the verge of extinction. But the silver lining is, a new Mahashol species has been found in Sangu river near Thanchi Hills in Bandarban. The scientists of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) confirmed the new species of Mahashol through DNA test last Sunday. The scientific name of the species is “Tor barakae”. Now they will work to preserve and spread the species at the field level. With this valuable find, the number of freshwater fish species in the country stands now at 261.

BFRI says that scientists from Rangamati sub-center conducted a survey in collaboration with local fishermen in search of Mahashol a year ago. Scientists found this species in Andharmanik, Boro Madak and Ligri areas of Sangu river in Thanchi, Bandarban, where water depth and rock level are high. After collection, the external structure and other aspects of the fish are examined. DNA barcoding is then done to identify the species. The fish can weigh a maximum of 15 kg. Chief scientific officer. Dr. Azhar Ali was the senior scientific officer in the scientific team. Senior Scientific officer Junaira Rashid and Scientific Officer Imdadul Haque were also in the team while conducting the examination.

Scientists say that one of the two earlier species was the Golden Mahashol (Tor tor), the other was the Red-fin Mahashol (Tor putitora). Their home was in the Kangsa and Someswari rivers of Netrakona. These two species of Mahashol mainly live in mountain springs flowing streams. It survives by feeding on algae that cling to the body of the stone.

Chief scientific officer Dr. Azhar Ali said, research has shown that the color of the fish is similar to existing ones, but the color of the fin is not yellowish like other species of Mahashol in the country and Its face is very narrow. The samples collected for qualitative research showed 100% similarity to the reference genome of Tor barakae.

Director General of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) of Mymensingh Mr. Yahia Mahmud said, “through IUCN statement in 2015, Mahashol is an endangered species of expensive fish. Mahashol was found in the Kangsa and Someswari rivers in Netrakona, but now it is found in the Sangu river. The fish is of great commercial importance as it is expensive and large in size. Research on breeding and cultivation of this new species of Mahashol will be started soon. If the fish is brought under cultivation, the overall production of fish in the country will increase.

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This multi billion dollar shrimp market is dominated by a single variety and its estimated more than 70% of total consumption. This specific variety commercially known as Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). It is also called Whiteleg / Pacific white shrimp or King prawn and native to the tropical East Pacific from the Gulf of California, Mexico to northern Peru. Vannamei shrimps are in aquaculture practice in this part of the world (China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Myanmar) since long while now.

Ironically, in Bangladesh it was forbidden to import Vannamei fries and cultivate. Bangladesh shrimp farming has been started from late 60’s and get more popularize among the farmers since the 80’s. The Black Tiger Shrimps (Penaeus monodon) and Fresh Water Shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are the two species cultivating here. Financial gain and growth were satisfactory from the farming of these two species. And it was until the Vannamei Shrimp came into the picture of aquaculture practice in South Asian countries.

It was introduced into Asia experimentally from 1978 to 1979, but commercially only since 1996 into Taiwan, China and subsequently to several countries in south-east & south Asia. Vannamei shrimp farming commercially started in India since 2008. In Vietnam started at 2000, developed rapidly in the central provinces and then in the Mekong Delta since 2007. China, Vietnam and India are now three big players in the game.

Bangladesh’s shrimp industry growth was slowly rising from 2000 till the fiscal year of 2013-2014 except a short fallout around 2008-09 due to the natural disaster. This industry was spotted at the 2nd position in earning foreign currency for the country’s economy. Now it has slided to the 7th position.

Vannamei SPF has high larval survival ratio, faster growth rate, better tolerance to high stocking density. These properties made vannamei production high and turned it to commercially successful. Though to maintain and initiate the farming requires more money than Black Tiger Shrimp extensive farm.

During 2008, the whole world suffered a recession. In the post-recession world, consumers tend to be more cautious over prices and this is also a great reason for vannamei shrimp’s success for the last decade. Black Tiger Shrimp is considered as a luxury seafood item in Europe and USA for its price.

There were 130 Shrimp processing factories in Bangladesh where only 40 of them are still active. According to the exporters, it happened due to less product availability for them. Bangladesh frozen shrimp exporters association or BFFEA (Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporter Association) leaders are urging the related authorities to allow Vannamei shrimp cultivation in Bangladesh for long time now.

With the years of pressure from the exporters, their urge saw a beacon of light. Last year the Department of Fisheries had allowed a total 8 companies in Khulna and 4 companies in the Chittagong region to bring Vannamei shrimp fry from Thailand for experimental cultivation.

The eight companies granted permission in Khulna region were, MU Seafoods, Fahim Seafoods, Grotech Aquaculture Limited, Radiant Shrimp Culture, Ayan Shrimp Culture, EFG Aqua Farming, JBS Food Products and Industries Limited and Ranthi Aqua Culture Limited.

And four companies from Chittagong region were, MK Hatchery in Ukhia of Cox’s Bazar, Dafa Feed and Agro Products Ltd under Karnaphuli in Chattogram, Niribili Hatchery in the Kalatali area of Cox’s Bazar, and Midway Scientific Fisheries Ltd in Khurushkul of Cox’s Bazar.

Including Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) and all of these entities ran a pilot program of Vannamei shrimp cultivation. In response to project performance, Jesshore’s MU Seafood Ltd Managing Director Mr. Shyamal Das said that a one-acre pond produced 4,445 kg of Vannamei shrimp. Accordingly, per hectare production will be 11,100 kg of shrimp.

Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) Vice-President Mr. S Humayun Kabir said,
“In 2021, the experimental cultivation of Vannamei shrimp was carried out for the first time. That year, in 109 days, a one-acre pond produced 4,101 kg of Vannamei shrimp. This year, 4,445 kg shrimp were produced per acre in 88 days.”

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Paikgacha, Khulna also started farming in their brackish water pond from August 5 last year. The shrimps were caught once they were 88-day-old this year. It was found that compared to last year, the yield from the same-sized pond increased by 344 kg.

With the harvesting from BFRI ponds this year end of September, the whole pilot program has been considered as successful project. In the accounts of success from all the test run, Bangladesh Fisheries Department under the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry now evaluating all the data and metrics they have got.

Sources from the related department and EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) have suggested that govt. high authority has reached a verdict in favor of the long waited decision on commercial farming of Vannamei Shrimp in Bangladesh. The legislative bodies are making regulatory terms to put commercial farming into operation. All the procedure and directives making will be completed within the next couple of months.

Department of Fisheries source also informed that 11 companies have already applied to the ministry to start commercial farming of Vannamei shrimp, and the technical committee of the ministry has already inspected the infrastructure, capacity and transportation system of the institutions. Now it’s time to wait and get the official confirmation from the authorities. It’ll be the most welcoming news in the shrimp aquaculture sector of Bangladesh. We are very hopeful to see vannamei shrimp in commercial farming from the next season in Bangladesh.

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The minister made the statement at the 41st meeting of the Board of Governors of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) held in the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock at secretariat on 21st of September.

He said that BFRI has so far developed breeding techniques and farming technology of 37 species of endangered native fish through research and it is largely contributing to expansion of fish production. Out of those 37 species, about 11 of endangered native fish have been brought back in the last one year, he said, adding that a live gene bank has been established to conserve indigenous fish.

Member of the Board of Governors of BFRI and Member of Parliament Muhibur Rahman Manik, Vice Chairman of the Board and Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Dr Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury, Board Member Secretary and Director General of BFRI Yahia Mahmud attended the meeting.

Moreover, Board Member and Director General of the Department of Fisheries Mahbubul Haque and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Acting Executive Chairman Dr Mian Sayeed Hassan were present, among others, on the occasion.

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