Marine fish stocks declining due to overfishing, harmful nets: Adviser

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has warned that Bangladesh's marine fish stocks are declining because of overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, and the use of harmful nets. She stated that findings from the recent RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen ocean survey have prompted Bangladesh to "think anew" about the state of its marine resources.

She made these remarks today at a briefing titled 'Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)–Nansen Survey 2025' held at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka.

The adviser said the survey showed an overall decrease in fish stocks caused by excessive and uncontrolled fishing. Of the country's 273 industrial trawlers, 72 are equipped with sonar, but improper use has led to bycatch and wastage, she added.

Highlighting environmental concerns in the Bay of Bengal, Farida Akhtar said, "Increasing oxygen deficiency in some areas, a high concentration of microplastics, and the abnormal spread of jellyfish are clear warning signs. The ocean is our invaluable resource, but our own mismanagement is causing its loss. If effective measures are not taken now, future generations will be deprived of what they deserve." She called for stricter restrictions on industrial trawler licensing and tighter controls on trawler-based fishing.

She noted that the final survey report is expected in mid-December, after which the government will convene a coordinated meeting with stakeholders, researchers, and scientists. "We will not simply sit and accept the report — we must decide quickly. A scientific plan is essential to realise our deep-sea fishing ambitions," she said. The adviser urged the Norwegian government and FAO to continue their support for the next ocean survey in 2027/28, and stressed the need for Bangladesh to acquire its own research vessel.

Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Abdur Rouf presided over the event. Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, attended as special guest and noted that Norwegian and FAO support had strengthened Bangladesh's scientific capacity and modern survey methods.

He said the 2018 Dr Fridtjof Nansen survey was a milestone, providing the first modern, ecosystem-based assessment of marine resources after the delimitation of the maritime boundary.

The preliminary results of the latest survey, conducted from 21 August to 21 September 2025, were officially presented at the briefing. According to scientists, the Bay of Bengal is home to 475 fish species, 36 shrimp species, five lobster species, more than 15 crab species, five turtle species, and 13 coral species. The survey also identified 65 new fish species, five of which are found only in the Bay of Bengal. Scientists warned that marine life is increasingly under threat due to climate change and pollution, calling for collective action.

Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, attended as guests of honour.

The technical briefing was delivered by Dr Erik Olsen, Head of Department at Norway's Institute of Marine Research and Cruise Leader of the survey; Professor Saidur Rahman Chowdhury of the University of Chittagong; and Dr Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries and Co-Cruise Leader. Dr Md Abul Hasanat, National Project Coordinator of FAO Bangladesh and DFN Survey 2025 Focal Point, gave the welcome address.

Senior government officials, scientists, academics, stakeholders, and others attended the event.