Govt plans to boost natural production of indigenous fish: Minister

The government has taken initiatives to boost the natural production of indigenous fish species and protect their breeding grounds amid growing threats from climate change and habitat destruction, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Wednesday.

“Sanctuaries for fish are being established across haors, baors, rivers and even in the sea,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning Formulation (2026-27)” organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka.

Highlighting the country's tradition of “Machhe Bhate Bangali”, the minister said Bangladesh had achieved self-sufficiency in fish production through quality research and development over the years.

Significant progress had been made in farmed fish production, quality improvement and feed management, he said, adding that natural fish breeding grounds were now under threat from climate change and a lack of public awareness.

Following direct instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government was pursuing a substantial budget allocation and a long-term plan this year to address the challenges, he added.

The minister urged researchers and scientists to intensify research on fish breeding, breed development and the recovery of endangered indigenous fish species.

He also called for research to address the adverse impacts of climate change, prevent fish diseases and ensure the production of quality fish fry.

Emphasising the potential of coastal and marine fisheries, he stressed the need to raise public awareness and strengthen law enforcement to prevent the use of harmful fishing nets.

He also called for safe fish production, urging farmers to avoid using feed containing ingredients hazardous to human health.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, speaking as the special guest, stressed the need to maintain quality standards alongside increasing fish production.

“The taste and quality of fish largely depend on water quality. Therefore, alongside boosting fish production, pollution in water bodies must be prevented, and a suitable environment for the natural growth of fish must be ensured.” 

He said the excavation of rivers and canals to improve water flow and reduce waterlogging would help create a favourable environment for fish.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to further develop the country's fisheries sector.

The workshop was chaired by BFRI Director General Md Latiful Islam.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Md Mir Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahzaman Khan and BARC Executive Chairman Md Abdus Salam also addressed the event.

BFRI Director Md Amirul Islam delivered the welcome address.

University teachers, senior ministry officials, BFRI scientists, Department of Fisheries officials and representatives of fishermen attended the workshop.