Fishing in coastal areas is prime source of income and food for Bangladesh and many other countries around the world. To know more about the fish population in the sea area in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh government had taken the initiative to conduct a survey. Recent reports published in this daily say that the survey has been completed and already been submitted to the office of the Prime Minister for evaluation and approval.
Startling statistics mentioned in the report present a frightening scene. The total tonnage of fish captured in 2016 was 3,87,8324 tons where as it was around 18,90,459 tons in 2001. This means the number of fish being caught increased by twice in just sixteen years. Not only in Bangladesh but around the world the numbers of fishing tonnage has increased drastically. This has pushed a number of fishes which are quite popular among nations towards the brink of extinction.
Over fishing is sure to put a huge
dent in the fish schools each year
The survey was conducted to get an idea about the fish population and marine plants and contaminant percentage in the water. The two year long survey should contain some interesting findings. It should be kept in mind that a huge population of Bangladeshis residing in the coastal areas depend on fishes caught from the sea. This is sure to put a huge dent on the fish schools each year and evidently the statistics mentioned above show it precisely. Lest Bangladesh should face a crisis scenario where the fish population in the bay becomes extremely low, the government should keep an eye out on the numbers. Low fish numbers will primarily mean an imbalance in the ecology of the Bay and an overall crash of the food web.
The authorities in the Marine Fisheries Department and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock should consider the probability of such a crisis befalling on the nation. On another note, it is commendable that the government is already aware of situations abroad and has taken the initiative to conduct this survey. The results will bring out new numbers which is sure to prove useful in retaining the fish population in the Bay.
