Fisheries development in Bangladesh

Fisheries in Bangladesh

Fisheries development in Bangladesh is a crucial sector for the country's economy, food security, and rural development. The sector has shown remarkable growth over the past decades and remains a priority for sustainable development. Here are key aspects of fisheries development in Bangladesh:

 

1. Economic Contribution: Fisheries contribute significantly to the national economy. It accounts for around 3.57% of the GDP and more than 22% of the total agricultural sector's GDP.

2. Employment: The sector provides employment to about 11% of the population, including full-time and part-time jobs.

3. Food Security: Fish is a vital source of animal protein, accounting for about 60% of the total animal protein intake in the country.

 Types of Fisheries

•  Inland Capture Fisheries: Includes rivers, estuaries, and beels (large water bodies). This sub-sector faces challenges due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution.
•  Inland Aquaculture: Includes ponds, dighis (large ponds), and floodplain aquaculture. This sub-sector has seen significant growth due to technological advancements and governmental support.
• Marine Fisheries: Includes fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Although underutilized, it has immense potential for future development.

Hilsha

 Development Initiatives

- Government Policies: Various policies and strategies like the National Fisheries Policy (1998), the National Agriculture Policy (2018), and the Blue Economy initiatives have been implemented to promote sustainable fisheries development.

- Aquaculture Expansion: The government has promoted aquaculture through the provision of training, credit facilities, and extension services to fish farmers.

- Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure such as fish landing centers, cold storage facilities, and transportation networks to support the fisheries value chain.

- Research and Technology: Emphasis on research and development to improve fish breeding techniques, disease management, and sustainable farming practices.

•   Faced Challenges are

👉 Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices have led to the depletion of many fish species.

👉 Pollution: Industrial and agricultural pollution adversely affects fish habitats and health.

👉 Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns impact fish breeding and productivity.

👉 Regulatory Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with fishing regulations remains a challenge.

Future Prospects

💧 Blue Economy: Leveraging the Bay of Bengal for marine resources offers vast fisheries and related industries opportunities.

💧 Sustainable Practices: Adoption of sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices to ensure long-term productivity.

💧 Value Addition: Development of fish processing industries to add value and increase export potential.

💧 Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation and sustainable management practices.

Conclusion

Fisheries development in Bangladesh has a pivotal role in the country's socio-economic landscape. While there have been significant achievements, addressing the existing challenges through sustainable and innovative practices is essential for the continued growth and development of this sector.

Fish and Food safety  

Film documentary

 FAO Report Highlights

   - According to the FAO's "The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020" report, Bangladesh ranked 3rd in global inland fish production.

   - Bangladesh is the leading producer of Hilsha fish among 11 countries.

   - The country's fish production has increased by approximately 12% per year.

 2. Historical and Current Fish Production

   - In 1983-1984, fish production in Bangladesh was 7.54 metric tons.

   - By 2020-2021, fish production had increased to 46.21 metric tons.

   - The government of Bangladesh initially assumed an annual production of around 45 metric tons but exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 47 metric tons in the current year.

3. Importance of Fisheries in Bangladesh

   - Economic Contribution: Fisheries contribute around 3.57% to the national GDP and more than 22% to the agricultural GDP.

   - Employment: Provides employment to about 11% of the population.

   - Food Security: Fish accounts for about 60% of the total animal protein intake in the country.

4. Types of Fisheries

   - Inland Capture Fisheries: Rivers, estuaries, and beels.

   - Inland Aquaculture: Ponds, dighis, and floodplain aquaculture.

   - Marine Fisheries: Fishing in the Bay of Bengal.

5. Development Initiatives

   - Government Policies: National Fisheries Policy (1998), National Agriculture Policy (2018), Blue Economy initiatives.

   - Aquaculture Expansion: Training, credit facilities, and extension services for fish farmers.

   - Infrastructure Development: Fish landing centers, cold storage, and transportation networks.

   - Research and Technology: Improving breeding techniques, disease management, and sustainable farming practices.

6. Challenges as follows

   - Overfishing: Depletion of fish species.

   - Pollution: Industrial and agricultural pollution affecting fish habitats.

   - Climate Change: Impact on fish breeding and productivity.

   - Regulatory Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with fishing regulations.

 7. Future Prospects

   - Blue Economy: Utilizing the Bay of Bengal for marine resources.

   - Sustainable Practices: Adoption of sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.

   - Value Addition: Development of fish processing industries for increased export potential.

   - Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation and sustainable management practices.

8. Consequently - Fisheries development plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's socio-economic landscape. Continued growth and addressing existing challenges through sustainable and innovative practices are essential for the sector's future.

Written by

Akhlaqur Rahman

Former Principal, National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Website: nhtti.gov-bd