The fisheries sector in Bangladesh is a critical and essential part of the nation's economy. This sector contributes approximately 3.57% to the country's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and around 25.32% to the agricultural GDP.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, about 1.95 million people in Bangladesh are directly or indirectly dependent on this sector. Its role in ensuring national food security, meeting nutritional needs, creating employment, and earning foreign currency is undeniable.
To more effectively leverage this promising sector, specific and detailed actions are necessary.
A key to increasing fish production is the use of modern technology. Advanced techniques like biofloc, raceway, and cage culture are now globally recognized alternatives to traditional methods. The biofloc method allows for high-density fish farming in small areas with less water. This technique not only reduces water wastage but also lowers feed costs, as the fish can consume their own waste as a protein-rich food source. On the other hand, river-based cage culture ensures the proper use of open water bodies and reduces pressure on the natural environment.
The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) has developed artificial breeding and farming techniques for various native fish species, including Ilish, Pabda, Gulsha, Shing, Magur, and Koi, which have been well-received by farmers. Production could be multiplied if the Department of Fisheries and non-governmental organizations work together to disseminate these technologies to the grassroots level.
More than one-third of the country's fish resources come from open water bodies like rivers, canals, haors, and floodplains. To protect these resources, it is essential to stop illegal occupation, pollution, and over-fishing of these water bodies. Strict enforcement of The Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950, is necessary to enforce fishing bans during the breeding season, especially for Ilish and other mother fish. The government’s initiatives to conserve Jatka (juvenile Ilish) during the monsoon are commendable, but their scope and consistency need to be expanded. Increased natural fish production can be achieved by dredging water bodies to increase navigability and preserving fish breeding grounds. For example, the fish sanctuaries established in the haor regions play a crucial role in the breeding and propagation of native fish species.
Fish accounts for about 60% of the daily protein intake for people in Bangladesh. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fish plays a vital role in addressing malnutrition, particularly in children who suffer from deficiencies in Vitamin A, iron, and zinc. Increasing fish production would make it more accessible to people from all walks of life, thereby improving nutritional standards. To achieve this, it is crucial to enhance the production capabilities of small and marginal fish farmers through government subsidies and easy loans. The Bangladesh Bank and other commercial banks can introduce special loan programs for the fisheries sector. Furthermore, strict monitoring is essential to control the quality of fish fry and feed and to prevent adulteration.
Fisheries is one of Bangladesh's leading export commodities. The country earns a significant amount of foreign currency annually by exporting frozen shrimp, Ilish, and other marine fish. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh earns an average of $500–600 million USD per year from the export of fish and fish products. To increase this income, it is necessary to ensure that fish processing and quality control align with international standards. Achieving certifications like HACCP and BRC is essential to meet the strict standards of developed countries such as the European Union and the United States. To meet this goal, modern processing plants must be established and a skilled workforce must be developed. Additionally, diversifying products by exploring export markets for dried fish, fish oil, fish fillets, and other value-added products can increase earnings.
Climate change is a major challenge for Bangladesh's fisheries sector. Rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, floods, and droughts are severely disrupting fish production. To combat this, it is essential to develop and distribute climate-resilient and salt-tolerant fish varieties to farmers. Scientists at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) have already developed salt-tolerant varieties of shrimp, seabass, and tilapia. A robust extension system is needed to further invest in this kind of research and rapidly disseminate the results to the field level.
In conclusion, transforming the fisheries sector into a modern and sustainable industry can unlock new horizons for Bangladesh's food security and economic prosperity. By implementing strategies such as modern technology, proper management, quality control, and international market expansion through the combined efforts of the government, private sector, and fishermen, Bangladesh can emerge as one of the world's leading fish-exporting countries by 2030.
