Fisheries experts, academics, and policymakers on Sunday called for urgent measures to address critical challenges and chart a sustainable path forward for the fisheries sector as one of the countries vital sectors.
The call came at a discussion centring the theme 鈥楨mpowering Bangladesh鈥檚 fisheries sector: enhancing skills, safety, and sustainability for a resilient future鈥� organised by the Ocean Centres Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka city.
The event brought together key stakeholders to examine the sector鈥檚 health, productivity and environmental sustainability.
Marine Fishery Academy president retired Commodore Syed Ariful Islam addressing the discussion highlighted occupational hazards, lack of adequate training, social safety gaps and other critical issues plaguing the fishing community for long.
He stressed that improving the welfare and skills of fishers was central to securing the sector鈥檚 long-term viability.
Former director of the Marine Fisheries Office Dr Sharif Uddin provided an in-depth overview of ocean fishing, outlining current challenges, including overfishing, declining stocks and environmental pressures.
He also presented actionable strategies to enhance both productivity and sustainability, emphasising the importance of evidence-based policies and robust regulatory frameworks.
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University professor Mir Mohammad Ali discussed adaptive strategies and sustainable practices for climate-resilient aquaculture.
He also underscored the need for integrating modern techniques and community-based approaches to strengthen the fisheries sector against the impacts of climate change.
The discussion was moderated by marine fisheries and oceanography faculty chair at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Jakir Hossain with university vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Latif attending as chief guest and Ocean Centres Bangladesh country lead retired Commodore Mohammad Abdur Razzak giving the welcome address.
