The number of critically endangered freshwater turtles, Batagur Baska (Northern river terrapin), is gradually increasing in the rivers of the Sundarbans thanks to various conservation efforts. The forest department has been working to conserve this rare species under the Bangladesh Forest Department’s Turtle Breeding Program in collaboration with the IUCN and Vienna Zoo.

The Batagur Baska is currently one of the three rarest turtle species in the world. The rivers of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and northeast India were home to these animals in the previous century.

However, when the overfishing and egg harvesting went unchecked, this river terrapin came to the verge of extinction. Although the populations of turtles stayed relatively constant as long as they were caught and eaten primarily to assist in meeting the fundamental needs of the local population.

All of that changed when hunting became more industrialized and vast quantities of animals were exported to China for profit.

In 2010, only 20 individuals were reported worldwide.

However, the scenario drastically changed when three Batagur Baska turtles laid a total of 82 eggs on February 15 at the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre under the East Sundarbans Forest Division. Among them, a total of 65 hatchlings were born.

According to the Sundarbans East Forest Division, the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center has successfully bred this species since 2017. In total, 52 turtles have been released into the wild so far. The rest are being raised in a semi-natural environment for future release.

Forest Officer Md. Belayet Hossain stated that, “Batagur Baska turtles, which are listed as critically endangered globally, were once found abundantly in the Sundarbans. However, due to river pollution, poaching, and destruction of nesting sites, their numbers have sharply declined. Conservation efforts have now made it possible to restore their population.”

The Sundarbans Forest Department believes this initiative will help establish a stable and sustainable population of Northern river terrapin in the wild once again.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Critically endangered Batagur Baska (Northern river Terrapin) making a comeback in the Sundarbans appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Growing risks from climate change

Shrimp farming, fish cultivation, and rice production in Bangladesh’s coastal areas are increasingly threatened by climate change-induced factors such as rising sea levels, extreme flooding, cyclones, soil erosion, and salinization.

Dr. Aksya Kumar Sarkar, a shrimp production and processing expert with 25 years of experience, highlighted the vulnerability of shrimp feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds in the region. Producers and exporters are becoming concerned about declining shrimp production, which is affecting exports due to climate-induced temperature fluctuations.

In the country’s southwest, shrimp farming remains largely dependent on wild post-larvae since hatchery production is still limited and market is flooded with low-quality smuggled nauplii. Hence, farmers prefer wild post-larvae for their higher survival rates and better quality.

Impact on shrimp farming

According to shrimp expert and former fisheries officer Dr. Aksya Kumar Sarkar explained that prawns are highly sensitive to salinity levels, requiring brackish water in their early life stages. Shrimp post-larvae depend on estuaries for shelter and food, making them vulnerable to environmental changes.

The key shrimp-farming districts of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira are facing severe impacts from floods, heavy rainfall, droughts, cyclones, and tidal surges. Many poor coastal residents who collect wild shrimp post-larvae near the Sundarbans are reporting declining catches due to increasing water temperature and salinity fluctuations caused by climate change.

Extreme weather events and rising sea levels could further alter the aquatic ecosystem, leading to a scarcity of wild post-larvae. Shrimp-farming communities are now dealing with a dual challenge: reduced post-larvae stocks and increased risks of coastal flooding and storm surges.

Economic and social consequences

According to Dr. Praful Kumar Sarkar, small-scale shrimp farmers and associated workers are often socially, economically, and politically marginalized. Limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education further exacerbates their struggles.

The declining availability of post-larvae has significantly impacted coastal villages reliant on shrimp farming. Climate change has led to the destruction of shrimp feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds in the Sundarbans, further intensifying the crisis.

As a major contributor to Bangladesh’s economy, shrimp farming is an essential sector, with most shrimp being exported to the EU nations, UK and USA. Any decline in shrimp production due to climate change could result in a substantial loss of foreign currency earnings. Additionally, lower production levels could impact hatchery operations, shrimp feed industries, and shrimp processing businesses.

Urgency for research and adaptation

Climate change presents a major challenge to the long-term sustainability of the shrimp sector. More research is needed to develop adaptive farming strategies, improve existing technology, and implement community-based climate resilience measures.

Increased salinity in inland groundwater has been observed in recent years, causing soil degradation and reducing soil fertility. This, in turn, affects rice and freshwater fish production and limits biodiversity.

Dr. Mostafa Sarwar, a climate expert and professor at Khulna University of Science and Technology, stressed the need for improved adaptation measures. Integrated coastal management, reforestation, and climate resilience programs could help mitigate economic losses and protect the shrimp industry from further damage.

Rising water temperatures and shrimp farming challenges

There is a noticeable difference in heat tolerance between mature shrimp and their post-larvae. Farmers typically release post-larvae into shrimp enclosures in January-February when water temperatures remain around 25°C. However, as temperatures rise to 27°C in March, many shrimp fail to survive, leading to increased mortality rates. Warmer waters are also contributing to the spread of viral infections, further threatening shrimp production.

Salinity issues and water scarcity

According to Golam Kibria Ripon, General Secretary of the Shrimp Fry Trading Association, salinity in Khulna’s rivers has become a significant challenge for shrimp farmers. Normally, river water in the region turns saline in January, but in recent years, this transition has been delayed until February. Additionally, salinity levels, which previously ranged between 16-18 ppt in May-June, have now dropped to 8-10 ppt, negatively affecting shrimp growth.

A shrimp farmer from Daulatpur, Khulna, reported that water scarcity is a growing concern for shrimp production. Additionally, frequent virus outbreaks are further reducing yields, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihoods.

As climate change continues to threaten shrimp farming in Bangladesh, urgent measures are needed to adapt to these challenges. Research, policy interventions, and sustainable farming practices must be prioritized to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The post Climate change poses a threat to shrimp farming in Khulna appeared first on Seafood Network BD.