Aquaculture Advancement: National Network Nurtures Sustainable Sector
A national workshop was held on 16 November at the Sheraton Dhaka to ensure the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s rapidly growing aquaculture sector. Organized by the Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh (ANB), the workshop received support from C-E-F-A-S, Evolved Research Consulting, and McAllister Elliott & Partners (UK). Policymakers, researchers, industry entrepreneurs, farmers, and representatives from various development organizations attended the event.
Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. However, participants noted that alongside this growth, environmental degradation, disease outbreaks, biosecurity challenges, and risks—particularly in shrimp, prawn, and crab farming in coastal areas—have increased. They also emphasized that while the 1998 National Fisheries Policy provided general guidance, it is insufficient to address current demands and challenges.
The inaugural address was delivered by Professor Dr. Mo. Lifat Rahi, Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Technology, Khulna University. Keynote presentations included Dr. Mo. Motaleb Hossain, Director (Inland), Department of Fisheries, who highlighted the current status and progress of aquaculture in Bangladesh, and Professor Dr. Mo. Abdul Ohab, Bangladesh Maritime University, who discussed “Steps for Sustainable Growth of Aquaculture: The Need for a National Policy in Bangladesh.”
Special guests included Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhtar Hossain, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University.
A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Dr. Mo. Mostafizur Rahman Mondal, Dean of Fisheries Science, University of Rajshahi, featured Associate Professor Dr. Helena Khatun, Dr. Farukul Islam, WorldFish Bangladesh Country Representative, Md. Zia Haider Chowdhury, Additional Director General, Department of Fisheries, Sazzad Hossain, President of Mymensingh Fisheries Farm & Hatchery Owners Association, and Md. Tariq Sarkar, Managing Director of FishTek Hatchery.
Government representatives, hatchery owners, and women leaders emphasized prioritizing climate resilience, gender equality, inclusive development, and marine spatial planning in the formulation of the national policy. Dr. Maria Zaman of Bangladesh Maritime University discussed strategies to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion within aquaculture.
In his closing remarks, Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable aquaculture. Dr. Mo. Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, attended as a special guest.
The workshop was chaired by Professor Dr. Mo. Monirul Islam, faculty member at Dhaka University and General Secretary of ANB, who stated, “Ensuring sustainable aquaculture requires coordinated initiatives among research, industry, government agencies, and farmers.”
DBTech/SK/IK/OR
