Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akter today said the government will take necessary measures for conserving marine fishes through controlling overfishing in the Bay of Bengal.
“Our valuable fisheries resources are at risk, due to overfishing using current nets, troll doors, and sonar systems in coastal and marine areas. As such, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock have decided to take necessary steps to safeguard these resources,” she said.
The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a workshop titled “Annual Research Progress (2024-25) Review and Planning (2025-26)” held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in the district, an official release said.
In her speech, Farida said previously 60 percent of fish were harvested in open water bodies while the remaining in enclosed water bodies. “But the present scenario has changed. Around 40 percent fish are harvested in open water bodies and 60 percent in enclosed environment,” she added.
Furthermore, she said, fish breeding and habitat areas in open water bodies are being destroyed due to factors such as water pollution, filling up (of water bodies), and uncontrolled tourism.
Farida Akter said currently Bangladesh ranks first globally in hilsa production.
She emphasized that to maintain this status, further research and development activities related to Hilsa must be strengthened.
Farida also called for increased research activities centering the unique Rui and Katla fish found in the Halda River, which are not found elsewhere in the country.
We need to do more research to include these Halda River fishes in the Geographical Indication (GI) product list, she added.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
