The government has formulated ‘National conservation strategies, action plans, and non-determent findings’ to protect endangered sharks and rays from extinction.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Sunday said this while speaking at a national consultation meeting at a city hotel. The Forest Department organised the event.
Shahab Uddin said the action plan would play an important role in controlling the cross-border trade of sharks and water lilies, ensuring sustainable and productive fishery livelihoods for the coastal community and improving the marine ecosystem.
“The action plan, formulated with the technical assistance of the Wildlife Conservation Society, funded by the Sustainable Forest and Livelihood (SUFAL) project, would serve as a guide for government agencies, local communities, NGOs, research institutes and private enterprises,” he added.
The Environment Minister said, “More than 100 species of sharks and water lilies exist in the sea of our country are facing threat of extinction. These are very important for maintaining a healthy coastal and marine ecosystem. Excessive catching should be controlled to protect sharks and rays from extinction. That is why all concerned should work together without delay so that marine ecosystems and biodiversity could make a significant contribution to our livelihood and national economy.”
Shahab Uddin said the two declared marine protected areas namely the Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area covering1738 sq km and St. Martin Marine Protected Area covering 1743 sq km will play an important role in conserving sharks and rays.
All species of sharks and rays that are at high risk of extinction are strictly protected under our Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012, he said.
"Urgent steps need to be taken to conserve these species in collaboration with all law enforcement agencies," he added.
Shahab Uddin said Bangladesh's efforts in research, policy formulation and protection of their important habitats related to shark and ray have received international recognition and support.
Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, Senior Manager of Marine Conservation Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed presided over the meeting.
Among others, Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Director General, Department of Fisheries Khandaker Mahbubul Haque and Project Director (PD) of SUFAL project Gobinda Roy also spoke at the event.