Adviser stresses food safety amid expansion of aquaculture
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar today said that ensuring food safety is as important as increasing fish production, warning that higher output without safety standards poses risks to food security.
She made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 10th Biennial Fisheries Conference, organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF), at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium.
The adviser said fish produced through aquaculture cannot be considered meaningful if it is not safe for consumption. "There is no point in increasing fish production if food safety is not ensured," she said, adding that fish is not merely a source of calories but a vital provider of micronutrients, including calcium, which supports bone development, eyesight and cognitive growth.
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Speaking on marine resources, Farida Akhtar said Bangladesh has utilised only around 30 percent of its marine fisheries potential, while existing exploitation is often problematic. She expressed concern over the use of sonar technology by industrial trawlers, noting that around 70 of the country's 223 industrial trawlers reportedly use such systems, increasing the risk of overfishing.
She said the government has decided to update the National Fisheries Policy and introduce further reforms to address overfishing, harmful gear use and environmental degradation. The adviser also highlighted disparities in incentives for fishermen, noting that inadequate support during fishing bans often forces them into unintentional rule violations.
Farida Akhtar further said pollution, reduced river navigability and climate change are disrupting hilsa reproduction and migration. She described hilsa as a national asset and said steps are being taken, in coordination with BIWTA, to remove obstacles along its migration routes.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Faruk-ul Islam, Country Representative of WorldFish Bangladesh. Dr Dia Sanou, FAO Representative (ad interim) in Bangladesh, attended as guest of honour. The session was presided over by BFRF President Dr Joarder Farooq Ahmed.
