Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasised the importance of identifying waterbodies nationwide to conserve and expand native fish species.
At a seminar at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka, Farida Akhter emphasised the need to identify waterbodies to protect the country's native fish species. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI).
"Establishing and protecting sanctuaries is crucial for boosting fish production as the volume of open waterbodies is declining at an alarming rate," she said. "We must act now to restore our open water fisheries—by identifying key waterbodies, establishing sanctuaries, and ensuring policies directly address current threats. Let us commit to these actions and safeguard our biodiversity for the future."
The adviser warned against genetic extinction, noting that conserving fish species is not only vital for Bangladesh but also for global fisheries. "We are in a region where it is impossible to survive without fish in our diet," she said.
She highlighted that 41 fish species have been restored through BFRI's research efforts, out of 64 species that were once considered nearly extinct in the country.
Expressing concern over the destructive use of poison and electricity in fishing, she said such practices stem from greed and short-term profit. She also noted that pollution, particularly plastic pollution, is severely damaging aquatic ecosystems. "The recent international conference on plastics failed to reach a consensus. Since the proposed treaty was deemed harmful to people and nature, Bangladesh refrained from signing it," she added.
BFRI Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra presided. Senior officials, scientists, fishers, and guests attended.
