Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Wednesday emphasized the importance of protecting native fish species that are on the brink of extinction, calling for collective efforts to boost fish production to meet the country’s growing demand.
“To ensure adequate protein access for all citizens, it is crucial to protect all fish species, particularly those that are endangered, while also enhancing farmed fish production through sustainable and efficient practices,” she said while addressing a workshop titled “Infrastructure Development Project (Phase-I) to Increase the Capacity of Government Fish Farms and Fish Production.”
Noting that many individuals are engaging in commercial fish farming without proper planning, she urged fisheries officials to continue their dedicated efforts in raising awareness and providing training to promote more structured and efficient fish cultivation.
She called on all stakeholders to step forward and contribute to increasing farmed fish production in an organized and sustainable manner. Farida Akhter also highlighted the exceptional taste and nutritional value of indigenous fish species, noting that they remain a preferred source of animal protein for people of all ages.
Underscoring the uniqueness of Bangladesh’s fish diversity, she stressed the urgent need to protect native species that are nearing extinction. She pointed out that indigenous species once accounted for 90% of the country’s fish population, but their numbers have declined significantly in recent years.
The adviser reiterated the importance of conservation efforts for native fish and encouraged collaborative initiatives to increase farmed fish production.
She also acknowledged the significant contributions of fisheries officials and fish farmers to national development. Farida further noted that all development projects should adhere to ideal and international standards, and assured that the government is fully prepared to provide any necessary support.