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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The 710 km of Bangladesh’s coastline is home to one of the most plentiful fishing grounds in Asia. The marine life is diverse here and fisheries have helped secure enough food and supported the country’s economy.

Today, with the climate crisis growing and marine habitats more at risk, people are focusing on a major concern:

How will sustainable marine fishing develop in Bangladesh in the future?

The Bay of Bengal is under a lot of stress, partly because it is being overused and also due to climate problems. Within 10 years, decisions will shape whether we protect the ocean or harm it further.

In this article, we discuss the challenges that need to be overcome, the opportunities yet to be explored and a pathway for Bangladesh to become a leader in sustainable marine fisheries.

Why Marine Fishing Matters in Bangladesh?

While rivers play a big role in the country, our seafood is mainly tied to the Bay of Bengal. Marine fishing goes beyond being a job near the coast in Bangladesh. It boosts nutrition, creates jobs and increases the amount of money brought in by exports.               

1. Rural Employment and Coastal Livelihoods

o More than 500 000 fishers use 68 000+ mechanised boats and trawlers, yet that’s just one side of the story. Adding to this, marine value chain jobs for deck hands, net makers, boatbuilders, ice plant workers, traders and processors helps employ 2.5–2.8 million people.

In numerous chars and island communities, fishing and the fish trade are responsible for 70 % of the total cash income of each household. More and more women are becoming involved—according to the UN FAO, one in five people working in shrimp grading and drying operations are women.

2. Foreign Exchange Earner

Marine products such as frozen shrimp, cephalopods and finfish, generated $566 million in FY 2023, accounting for around 9 % of the total agri export revenue. Any extra tonne that meets sustainability and traceability standards has a chance to fetch higher prices in the EU, U.S. and Japan.

3. Food Security Shock Absorber

Should inland ponds flood or paddy fields dry out, the rise in marine landings ensures people get enough protein. Farming in Egypt continuously provides enough food for 170 million people who live in a region at great risk of climate change.

Yet this lifeline is fraying. Key species are showing a decrease in biomass, climate change is making their migration routes different and almost one in four catches is lost after the fish are caught. If fish supplies continues to decrease, it could become too expensive for low income families, leading to less good nutrition and job losses for people living near the sea.

4. A key element of the National Plate

Roughly 20% of Canada’s fish production relates to marine species, providing people with almost 820 000 tonnes of edible protein every year.

60 percent of animal protein in Bangladesh is provided by fish. Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali, both coastal areas, experience water rise of more than 75 %.

Hilsa, tuna, ribbonfish and Bombay duck are traditional dishes that feature in celebrations across Bangladesh.

All in all, looking after marine fisheries is not only important for nature but also for the economy, culture and public health. How things are managed in the next five years could determine if the Bay of Bengal still has food to offer or if all its resources are gone.

The Top Obstacles to Sustainable Marine Fishing in Bangladesh

1. Overfishing & Depleting Stocks

Using mechanized vessels without rules has made it difficult for these species to be managed properly.

As per the Department of Fisheries (DoF), over sixty percent of marine fishing vessels operate without scientific limits on catches.

Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) catch is another major threat to the ocean.

• Nearly half of the industrial trawlers operating in the fishing industry do not have a valid license.
  • Hilsa biomass slipped 28 % between 2014 2023.

2. Climate Change Impact

Due to increasing sea temperatures, acidic oceans and unusual weather, fish movement and breeding times are changing which makes it hard to predict fishing results. Since 1990, Bay surface temperatures have been increasing by 0.19 °C every decade, causing migratory fish like Indian mackerel to move farther south during peak seasons.

3. Bycatch & Destructive Fishing Practices

Taking juvenile fish and using high-quality nets and bottom trawling have negatively affected many species in the oceans. Bottom trawling makes up almost one-third of fishing activities but collects less than one-sixth of the total revenue, while also harming coral in the process.

4. A lack of necessary infrastructure & insufficient cold chain facilities

Since there is no proper place to store or process seafood, more than 25% of catches are wasted which affects both fishers and seafood exports. Only 12 of the 122 coastal landing centers currently operate ice plants. Some of the businesses transport block ice from Khulna or Chittagong which costs 6 8 tk/kg.

5. Weak Policy Enforcement

Even with the Marine Fisheries Ordinance and National Fisheries Policy, it is still difficult to enforce laws at sea because of insufficient manpower, patrol boats and monitoring tools.

The Marine Fisheries Act requires a 65-day peak season ban, but in the 2024 peak, foreign vessels reportedly committed 173 unauthorized incursions. The revenue lost by local fishers is estimated to be around ৳2.1 bn.

Chances to Build a Solid Foundation for Tomorrow

Even with the hardships, Bangladesh is on the verge of change. Here’s how:

1. Adoption of Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM)

• Using ecology to guide fisheries rather than focusing only on how many species are caught.
  • Improving the health of oceans and maintaining a balanced diversity among living things.

2. Strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Increasing the size of no-fishing areas during the times when fish are spawning.
  • Keeping coral beds, mangroves and nursery grounds safe so fish can be restocked by nature.

As of now, territorial waters are covered by MPAs to the tune of 3.4 %. global best practice is ≥ 10 %. The World Bank suggests that if scaling reaches 10%, it could result in an additional US $190 m in annual fish landings by 2035.

3. Setting scientifically reviewed quotas

Such surveys can lead to specific limits for particular species.

• Strengthening the health of key species and permitting them to continue producing food.

The national stock assessment for 2023 has significantly transformed the process. For the first time, scientists have prepared biomass estimates for 65 commercial species. The use of dynamic quotas could result in a 22 % drop in effort and lead to higher long-term landings by 14 %.

4. Sustainable Fishing Gear & Techniques

• Encouraging the use of circle hooks, nets with large mesh and escape panels.
  • Teaching fishers how to choose the right fish so as to avoid catching others unintentionally.

Within six months, using fine mesh nets instead of 50 mm square cod ends reduced juvenile mortality and increased fishers’ income by 11 %.

5. Community-Based Co-Management

• Supporting community-based fisher groups in the planning and care of local water bodies.
  • Supporting the idea that those using the ocean should take care of it.

6. Blue Economy Integration

Expanding the Blue Economy can lead to more success in marine fisheries.

• Providing employment opportunities in marine aquaculture, tourism, seaweed farming and offshore fish farming.

The Road Ahead: What Needs to Be Done

For Bangladesh’s fisheries to be successful in the future, we need an overall strategy that deals with economic, environmental and social concerns.

1. Replace old marine policies with new ones that are made for climate change resilience.
2. Collect catch information in real time with the help of digital tools.
3. Support the construction of new marine infrastructure and encourage more research in this area.
4. Increase the variety of education and preparation for young people and fishers.
5. Cooperate with other countries in the Bay of Bengal on resources shared by all.

The process of sustainable marine fishing in Bangladesh has its own set of problems. However, if smart decisions, strong communities, and a drive for innovation are made, the benefits will be enormous.

We should ensure that our seas are rich in life, not only for our time but also for the future.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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India has seen remarkable development in fish production, with output rising from 0.75 million MT in 1950–1951 to 16.25 million MT in 2021–2022. India’s entire fish production was dominated by marine fish production till 2000.

However, India’s inland fisheries have experienced a reversal as a result of the promotion and acceptance of scientific fish-raising and management techniques. Inland fisheries’ share of the nation’s overall fish output has nearly doubled over the previous four to five decades, rising from 36% in the mid-1980s to 70% in the most recent period.

Presently, India is the 3rd largest fish-producing and 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China accounting for 8% of global production. 

Brackish/saline water aquaculture has also gained popularity in India. The brackish water shrimp farming industry has grown significantly during the last few decades. Brackish water aquaculture has enormous potential because the country possesses around 1.42 million hectares of brackish/saline land.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported fish and fish products worth USD 8.09 billion. Frozen shrimp accounted for the majority of exports, earning USD 5.48 billion.

India also has abundant and diverse cold water resources, including significant indigenous fish germplasm and clean water with a variety of temperature regimes. As a result, the Himalayan states have a unique advantage in the Cold Water Fishery sector.

Recognizing the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food security, nutrition, and livelihood, the Indian government has recently made significant investments in the industry, both financially and institutionally. The Fisheries Department is implementing several new projects to increase inland fish farming with public engagement.

Inland fisheries have enormous possibilities and promise for increasing production through effective fisheries management, technology infusion, and capacity building. In India, more than 30 million fishermen and farmers at the primary level, as well as many more throughout the fisheries value chain, rely on fisheries and aquaculture for a living and employment majority of whom are dependent on the inland fishery sector. Thus this sector is critical for various socially, economically, and nutritionally disadvantaged groups of people.

However, the sector confronts various obstacles. A few of the major issues are overexploitation, incomplete databases and catch data, uneven gender involvement, poor infrastructure, and weak governance structures. Furthermore, the inland fisheries sector is severely lacking temperature-controlled supply chain. Additionally, the marketing of fish and its associated goods is mostly uncontrolled and unregulated. 

To address these difficulties, a comprehensive strategy for managing inland fisheries is necessary, incorporating all important components such as fisheries resources, fish, and fishers. It is critical that the Indian government, scientists, fishery managers, fishermen, and other resource users should work together to ensure the long-term management of inland fisheries resources.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Bangladesh has a huge maritime boundary. The marine territory is estimated to be 118,813 square kilometers. The country also has also extensive reserves of both living and non-living resources in its coastal and maritime areas, which provide considerable prospects for development.

A wide variety of non-living resources can be found in Bangladesh’s coastal areas, including oil, gas, sea salt, etc. Several offshore and nearshore regions off Bangladesh’s coast hold oil, gas, and commercially important heavy minerals.

There have been 17 deposits found in beach sands between Patenga and Teknaf that contain valuable minerals, including Zircon, Rutile, Ilmenite, Leucoxene, Kyanite, Garnet, Magnetite, and Monazite.

These resources benefit a variety of sectors, including marine transit, tourism, industry, ports, shipyards, shipbreaking, agriculture, aquaculture, islands, coastal protection, carbon storage, and waste disposal.

Among living coastal resources, Mangroves are the second most significant natural system in Bangladesh. The mangrove ecosystem is home to an abundant range of animals, including 53 species of pelagic fish, 124 species of demersal fish, 24 shrimp species, 58 wildlife species, and 270 birds.

Saint Martin’s Island contains the country’s unique coral habitat. There are 66 different coral species referred to here.

Bangladesh’s enormous water areas support roughly 260 freshwater and 475 marine fish species, many of which are threatened.

Bangladesh’s fish production has expanded sixfold in the previous 30 years. In 1983-84, the country produced just 7.54 lakh metric tons of fish, however, in 2020-21, the total surpassed 46.21 lakh metric tons. In reality, the government of Bangladesh’s Vision 2021 targeted for 45.52 lakh metric tons of fish output in 2020-21, which has already been exceeded. However, aquaculture accounts for more than 57% of total production. 

More than 0.8 million people rely directly or indirectly on the marine fishing sector for a living. There are now 225 industrial trawlers in operation, including 24 mid-water trawlers and around 38,000 mechanized and non-mechanized boats.

Hilsa (shad) is a significant fish in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh. Hilsa is the one species that contributes the most to the country’s fish production. Hilsa accounts for more than 12.09% of the country’s fish production.

In the fiscal year 2001-02, the total amount of Hilsa harvested in the country was just a little more than 2 (2.21) lakh metric tons, by the fiscal year 2020-21, it had risen to almost 6 (5.65) lakh metric tons.

Besides Hilsa, shrimp production in Bangladesh is continually expanding. In the fiscal year 2020-21, Bangladesh’s total shrimp output is two and a half (2.52) lakh metric tons, rising at a pace of roughly 4.43% each year.

Bangladesh’s coastal areas have distinctive attractions, such as Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest sea beach, and the Sundarbans, the world’s biggest mangrove forest. However, the potential for coastal and marine tourism goes largely unexplored, as seen by Bangladesh’s recreational and tourism performance score, now at only 8%.

Limited data make it difficult to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all Bangladeshi marine resources. Yet it is quite clear that Bangladesh has vast marine resources which has immense potential for the country.

However, the growing pressures of population expansion and rising demand for work and food emphasize the importance of making sustainable and efficient use of these resources.

Therefore, adopting a comprehensive strategy that tackles all marine and maritime challenges is critical to Bangladesh’s sustainable resource management.

It is thus necessary to establish a strong set of statutory environmental laws to encourage the sustainable use of marine resources across all operating areas.

Priorities for ensuring the security of sustainable blue economy growth include increased ocean knowledge, spatial planning, and marine surveillance.

These activities will ultimately strengthen the blue economy and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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