Mr. A.K. Ataur Rahman, DG, DOF
Mr. Chairman, Hon'ble Chief Guest, distinguished participants, Ladies and Gentlemen
I am grateful to the organisers of the workshop for inviting me in this very important workshop on “Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries Resources in Bangladesh” being organised as part of the programme for the Fish Fortnight'94. Marine and coastal fisheries currently contribute over 27% of the total fish production and over 90% of the export earnings of the country.
During the terminal year of the Fourth 5 year plan the target for production of fish and shell fish from marine sources was set at 2,62,000 tons. Production achieved upto June 1993 has been an estimated 2,50,000 tons. Preliminary estimates of production indicate that by the end of the plan period target shall be achieved.
During the plan period priorities were given on some of the important issues related to marine fisheries. These include continuation of the programmes for survey and assessment of marine stocks, production at maximum sustainable yield level, processing, preservation, marketing and export of fish and fishery products and socio-economic upliftment of fisherfolk community. During the plan period taka 750 crore was allocated in the public sector for implementation of fisheries development programme including marine sector but the allocation for marine sub-sector had been very low perhaps less than taka 50 crore. However, there had been adequate investment by the private sector for development of marine fishing industry, processing industries and marketing of marine products.
During the plan period we have observed a rapid expansion of artisanal fisheries whose contribution had been over 95% of the total marine production. Sail boats, mechanised boats and number of different fishing gear increased alarmingly resulting in decreased catch rates and over exploitation of coastal stocks. It is alarming that number of mechanised boats in operation in the Bay is over 6000 against 3500 registered by the Mercantile Marine Department. Over 24000 different fishing nets including over 13000 set bag nets and 7000 gillnets are in operation in the coastal water. Although there had been substantial increase in fishing effort, because of limited resources in the Bay the catch rate of fishing boat and gear decreased.
During the plan period the number of trawlers in operation in the Bay was kept limited with 51 shrimp and 22 white fish trawler. Inspite of that catch rates of shrimp trawlers declined and the contribution of the target species of tiger shrimp is only 17% while the less priced species or Brown shrimp became dominant in the catch contributing about 64%. It was further observed that catch from set bagnets consisted mainly of the post larvae and juveniles of fish and shrimp. However, no efforts were taken for harvesting of pelagic and mid water resources of the EEZ beyond the 120 meter depth of the continental shelf. An estimated 30–40 thousand tons of white fish are discarded annually by the shrimp trawlers. Besides unauthorised fishing by foreign fishing vessels in our EEZ had been a regular phenomenon during the plan period.
An analysis of the present marine stock and the fishing effort by the artisanal and industrial boats and present landing of fish reveals that marine fishery resources particularly coastal whitefish stocks and shrimp stocks are under heavy fishing pressure. On the other hand there is limited or no fishing of potential pelagic resources like tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies in offshore area.
In view of the above it has become necessary to develop a strategy for sustainable development of marine fishery in the country for the Fifth and the subsequent medium and long term plans.
These plans should, among other, address the following issues:
Stock assessment programme for shrimp and other demersal fish stocks should be strengthened for monitoring of stocks and for addressing the management issues. Survey programmes shall be supported by increased allocation for maintenance and operation of survey vessels.
Stock of pelagic resources like tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies etc. should be determined and on the basis of available stocks, programmes should be undertaken for rational exploitation of such underexploited or unexploited stocks.
The fishing activities of the artisanal fisheries should be monitored and regulated under the preview of the marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 through licensing of boats by the Department of Fisheries.
Estuarine set bag net fishery should be gradually replaced by other nondestructive fishing gear like trammel net.
In order to conserve marine shrimp and fin fish resources of the Bay the practice of collection of wild post larvae of P. monodon should be brought under control in phases. The requirement of shrimp post larvae for brackishwater aquaculture should be met from seeds produced artificially in hatcheries. Private sector should be encouraged to make investment in construction and operation of shrimp hatcheries. Government should provide infrastructure like roads, electricity in the selected shrimp hatchery zones.
In order to conserve valuable shrimp resources in the Bay, fishing by shrimp trawlers should be suspended during the peak spawning season.
Adequate allocation should be provided in the public sector during the next plan period for sustainable development of marine fishery resources.
With these few words and wishing an allround success of the seminar I conclude my speech.
