Check tech’s suitability before using in coastal fisheries: Fisheries adviser

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed the need to assess the real-world suitability of smart technologies before introducing them to Bangladesh's coastal and fishing communities.

"Not everything labeled smart fits our context. We must ground innovations in the lived realities of the communities they are meant to serve," she said while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held yesterday afternoon at Lakeshore Heights in Gulshan (31 July).

The event focused on assessing the suitability of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) technology for Bangladesh, value chain analysis of IMTA species, rapid assessments of coastal and marine sectors, and evaluation of environmental and climate impacts.

In her speech, Farida highlighted that coastal fishers' traditional knowledge is often overlooked, despite offering valuable insights. "It's wrong to assume they lack scientific understanding. Their methods reflect generations of practical wisdom," she noted.

She warned that climate-smart solutions must be critically reviewed for feasibility, sustainability, and social inclusion, especially of women, who are heavily impacted by climate change and pollution.

The adviser emphasised that IMTA is a new concept in Bangladesh and called for a cautious, research-backed approach involving national institutions like BFRI, the Department of Fisheries, and universities.

She also called for public-private efforts to market seaweed, green mussels, and other IMTA outputs to support local incomes and diversify livelihoods.

The workshop was attended by policymakers, researchers, NGOs, academics, and private sector representatives. Research results were presented by Dr. Asaduzzaman and others.

Special guests included BFRI Director General Dr. Anuradha Bhakta and Fisheries Department Director Dr. SM Rezaul Karim. Dr. Faruk-Ul Islam of WorldFish Bangladesh gave the opening address.