February 26, 2007

Bangladesh concerned about declining fish production in the country

Bangladesh's fishery officials are concerned that declining fish populations in the country's rivers would affect seafood consumption in the country, putting it out of reach from the masses.

Bangladesh consumes 2.6 million tonnes of fish annually but only produces 2.2 million tonnes. Moreover, it exports US$285 million worth of seafood to other countries each year, officials said.

Bangladesh has around 230 rivers, including three major ones. These rivers were previously highly productive and contributed 65-70 percent of total fish production decades ago. However, less than 40 percent of the country's fish production now come from this source, due to declining production. 

Wetland areas have declined by 70 percent in last 50 years as farmers took up more wetlands for paddy production.

Dr. Enamul Huq, senior scientific officer of Bangladesh Fishery Research Institute in northern Mymensingh, said the country's rivers and water bodies were very suitable for fish production but the increasing human population and the need to use wetlands for paddy cultivation has reduced fish production. Use of pesticides in agriculture and industrial pollution have also worsened the problem.