BDRunner Online:
Due to overfishing Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar said that although marine fish resources are a priceless gift of nature, they are decreasing due to overfishing, illegal and uncontrolled fishing, and the use of harmful nets. She also mentioned that the results of the recent ocean survey are forcing Bangladesh to think anew.
She said these things as the chief guest at a briefing on the survey results and steps to be taken for the sustainable progress of marine fish resource management in Bangladesh at Hotel Intercontinental this afternoon.
The Fisheries and Livestock Advisor said that the survey showed that the overall fish stock is decreasing due to excessive and uncontrolled fishing, which is a matter of deep concern.
She said that 72 of the 273 industrial trawlers are using sonar technology. However, due to their improper use, unwanted fishing and wastage are increasing.
The Fisheries Advisor said, the high concentration of microplastics in the sea and the unusual spread of jellyfish – these are clear warning signs that our marine environment is facing serious risks.
He warned, the sea is our invaluable resource. However, our own mismanagement is causing its loss. If effective measures are not taken now, future generations will be deprived of the resources they deserve.
He urged to strictly limit the issuance of industrial trawler licenses and impose strict controls on trawler-based fishing.
The Advisor also said that after receiving the final report in mid-December, the government will hold a coordinated meeting with all relevant stakeholders, researchers, and scientists.
We will not just sit and accept the report, we have to decide what to do quickly. A scientific plan is essential to realize our dream of deep-sea fishing.
The Fisheries Advisor called on the Norwegian government and FAO to continue supporting the ocean survey after 2027/2028. He also emphasized the need for Bangladesh to obtain its own research vessel.
Under the chairmanship of Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber spoke as a special guest. He said that the cooperation of the Norwegian government and FAO has played an important role in developing Bangladesh’s scientific capacity and modern survey methods.
The Secretary said that the 2018 Dr. Fridtjof Nansen survey was a milestone for Bangladesh. After the delimitation of the sea boundary, the survey provided the first modern and ecosystem-based assessment of our marine fishery resources, which laid the foundation for future research and management.
He also said that all the recommendations given in the open discussion will be seriously considered and necessary steps will be taken.
The preliminary results of the recent survey of the world-renowned research vessel R. V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to assess Bangladesh’s marine fishery resources, biodiversity, environmental status and modern fish stocks were officially presented today. The survey, which was conducted from 21 August to 21 September 2025, was the second full-scale marine ecosystem survey conducted in Bangladesh after 2018.
The Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, and FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Dr. Xiaokun Shi, spoke as guests of honour.
The technical briefing on the mission of the research vessel R. V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen (DFN) was given by Dr. Erik Olsen, Head of Department, Institute of Marine Research, Norway and Cruise Leader of the survey, Saidur Rahman Chowdhury, Professor and Team Leader, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, and Dr. Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun, Assistant Director and Co-Cruise Leader, Department of Fisheries. Dr. Md. Abul Hasanat, National Project Coordinator of FAO Bangladesh and Focal Point of DFN Survey 2025, delivered the welcome address.
Senior government officials, scientists, academics, stakeholders and others were present at the event.
