A consultation meeting held in Dhaka highlighted the significant role marine fisheries can play in harnessing the potential of Bangladesh’s largely untapped blue economy. Experts at the event called for greater emphasis on advancing the marine fisheries sector and bolstering conservation efforts to ensure sustainable development.
The meeting, hosted by USAID’s Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh II (ECOFISH II) Activity, implemented by WorldFish Bangladesh, took place at the Golden Tulip the Grandmark Dhaka, Banani. It gathered key stakeholders to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s marine and coastal fisheries, with a focus on the blue economy, fisheries co-management, and the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs).
Md. Zillur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, attended as the chief guest, while Aditya Sood, Environment Officer at USAID Bangladesh, was a special guest. Dr. Benoy Kumar Barman, Interim Country Representative of WorldFish Bangladesh, chaired the event.
Discussions during the meeting centered on three critical themes: exploring the opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh’s fisheries blue economy, developing organizational structures for landing center-based fisheries co-management committees (LFCCs), and assessing site suitability for new MPAs.
Participants included representatives from the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), FAO, various NGOs, academia, and development partners. The meeting facilitated open dialogue, encouraging collaboration for the sustainable management of marine resources.
The event featured presentations by experts and fostered discussions on innovative strategies and potential partnerships for enhancing fisheries management in Bangladesh.
Source: Bangladesh Post
