Fish sanctuaries to be set up: Agri Minister

The government has taken initiatives to increase the natural production of indigenous fish species and protect their breeding grounds by establishing fish sanctuaries across haors, baors, rivers and marine areas, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said on Wednesday.

“Sanctuaries for fish are being established across haors, baors, rivers, and even in the sea,” he said while speaking as chief guest at a workshop titled Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning Formulation (2026-27), organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in the capital.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s tradition of “Mache-Bhate Bangali” (Bengalis live on fish and rice), Amin Ur Rashid said the country had achieved self-sufficiency in fish production through quality research and improvements in aquaculture, fish quality and feed management.

However, natural fish breeding grounds are facing serious threats from climate change and a lack of public awareness, he said.

Following the direct instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is pursuing a substantial budget and a long-term plan this year to address the challenges, the minister added.

He urged researchers and scientists to intensify research into fish breeding, breed development and the restoration of endangered indigenous species. 

He also called for research to mitigate climate change impacts, prevent fish diseases and ensure the production of quality fish fry.

Emphasising the potential of coastal and marine fisheries, he stressed the need to raise public awareness and enforce laws to stop the use of harmful fishing nets. 

He also urged fish producers to avoid feed containing ingredients hazardous to human health to ensure safe fish production.