The total demand for fish by the year 2010 might well exceed 1.5 million t, assuming that prices will remain relatively stable and the growth rate of the human population remains at 2.3% or below. The projected increase in demand for marketable fish for direct human consumption of an additional 0.8 million t. by the end of the century might be attained through better fisheries management, higher production (about 0.5-0.7 million t.) and improved utilization of the country's existing aquatic resources (Nuruzaman, 1993, p. 311). Real income per caput is growing at a rate of no less than 4% a year. The population has been growing by an average 1.80% per annum since 1995 and will continue to grow at least until the year 2000. Therefore, a modest increase in income and a growing population will put extra pressure on the demand for fish in coming years. We expect the demand for fish to increase around 4.90% per annum (for increase in income with positive income elasticity, but less than one, assuming 0.79).[28] For a growing population, yearly demand will increase at least at a rate of 1.70% per annum[29].
If fish production continues to rise at the present rate of production (4.7% per annum), it will only barely keep pace with increased levels of demand due to growth of the population and higher levels of real income. In order to reduce the gap between the desired level of protein intake from fish (50 g a day per person), the present production level of 1.37 million t[30] needs to be raised to 2.19 million t for an approximate 120 million people (an increase of 160%). To achieve such a gigantic rate of growth, fish production from freshwater, brackish-water, as well as marine catches need to be increased substantially. Production of industry-scale proportions (Appendix 4) by the private sector needs to be organized, encouraged and supported through government policies.
To cultivate large fish (e.g. carps, pangas, Thai magur), ponds need to be drained every year to eliminate other species of fish. Although lower- and middle-income consumers prefer mostly small, fresh fish, commercial production of these fishes is not feasible at this time (lack of appropriate technology). For them, open water bodies must be maintained and their natural habitats and spawning grounds need to remain undisturbed. Conflicting interests compete for the use of water from open water bodies (canals, roadside ditches, borrow pits, beels and baors, etc. - the area of seasonal water bodies is about 2.83 million ha) for crop- and fish productions. So far, water used for crop production (rice production) has received unilateral priority. Irrigation from surface water was emphasized. Today, these conflicting interests need to be balanced. Sedimentation during the rainy season, flood control and irrigation projects have destroyed natural habitats and reduced the supply of small, indigenous fishes. Depletion of small fish from the commonly owned water bodies affects the poorest section of the population the most (a fisherman's stake is the highest in such resources). Water used for irrigation (extraction of ground water results in more seepage of surface water) must be monitored and should not be exploited to the extent that small fish are eliminated and spawning grounds destroyed. Rainwater run-offs from crop fields, where pesticides and chemical fertilizers were used, also affect common-property water bodies by polluting the water with toxic substances. The use of chemical fertilizers, compost and cow-dung reduces the quality of pond water and harms small fish. Policies regulating the use of water must be designed clearly and implemented with an eye to maintaining economically optimal levels of diverse species. Rigorous assessments have to be made about possible after-effects and ramifications for water resources from projects such as designs of flood controls and irrigation, roads and highways. Recovery measures must be devised that reduce adverse after-effects. Water-passages and fish-routes must not be blocked in the construction of roads and highways. Every effort should be made to restore natural habitats.
The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) has been emphasizing research on carps, Thai pangas, rajpunti, hilsa and shrimps (high-value and large fish) rather than improving and managing local indigenous and small fishes most of which are on the verge of extinction. Twenty-two technologies that have been made available by the BFRI are listed in Appendix 7. Research efforts on constraints on adopting technologies, their socio-economic impact, cost-benefits of comparative species, problems of input and product marketing and export/import feasibilities, etc. are altogether absent in BFRI's endeavours. Thus, there is considerable room for research on minimizing losses after fish are harvested and on methods of processing and handling fish.
The Jalmahal (commonly owned closed/open water bodies) leasing system has long been the subject of wide criticisms. Collection of revenues has become the main concern in recent years Policy-makers now realize that the twin objectives of increased revenues and higher fish production must be pursued. A few months ago, top lawmakers decided that the administration of 'Jalmahals', which used to rest with the Ministry of Livestock and Fishery, should be handed over to the Land Ministry (Decision on 23rd June, 1999, Proceedings of Executive Committee of the Fisheries related National Committee) to regulate leasing arrangements. Jalmahals exceeding 20 acres (8.09 ha) will be leased out by the Ministry of Livestock and Fishery through the DOF; leases are renewable every 20 years. If implemented, this policy will have positive impacts on aquaculture and its long-term management.
Physical space in fish markets (including Arat centres) needs to be expanded by the appropriate authorities to allow more intermediaries to enter into fish trade. More intermediaries in the market would break monopolies, particularly in the secondary and higher secondary markets. Standardization of weighing, enforcement of open-price bidding (auctioning), measures to ensure quality controls, necessary grading and pricing in market transactions would protect consumers from being exploited and lead to fairer practices in the market place.
Proper enforcement of conservation laws and regulations could stop over-fishing and the depletion of young fish and 'jatka' (young hilsa). Bangladesh has had a Fish Conservation and Protection Act since 1950, called the Fish Act XVIII. Many rules have been announced under the Act since 1950, but unfortunately they have never been seriously enforced. In the recent past, sporadic actions were taken with the help of mobile courts under the leadership of a Magistrate (in 13 districts concerned) to stop the harvesting of 'jatkas'. Enforcement should be extended to include open water bodies. The period of prohibition on harvesting 'jatkas' from November to April should be extended and, instead, last from October to August. Enforcement should be stricter and conducted more regularly. A complete ban should be imposed on fishing juveniles. Fish and other aquatic living resources in open water bodies are common property and renewable natural resources. No individual or private organizations should be allowed to control and maintain them. Public authorities must be responsible and accountable for these resources in the interest of the greater good of society as a whole.
Institutional regulations must be put in place to effectively coordinate efforts between pertinent government agencies that are responsible for the development of water resources (BWDB-Bangladesh Water Dev. Board, Local Government and Eng. Dept. LGED and Land Administration) and the DOF, which is responsible for maintaining and developing natural fish resources in open water-bodies.
Immediate measures must be taken to stop the discharge of industrial toxic pollutants into rivers and open water-bodies to save the living aquatic resources and to ensure their natural replenishment. The Ministry of Environment and Forest is responsible for maintaining the quality of the environment and an ecological balance. This Ministry must take into consideration the qualitative and quantitative needs of fish and other aquatic organisms, devise monitoring systems and regulate standards of environmental safety and then strictly enforce them.
Credit is an important input for expansion of aquaculture. A portion of available credit should be earmarked for fishermen and fish farmers in rural areas. Credit could be channelled through NGOs for close supervision and utilization. NGOs would be entitled to service charges for successful implementation of such credit programmes. The lack of quality fish fry seriously impedes expansion of fishpond aquaculture. Training and extension services for managers of hatcheries and fishpond nurseries need to be intensified by the DOF and NGOs.
The BFDC (Bangladesh Fish Development Corporation) has been involved on a commercial basis in the marketing of fish and fishery products, ice and fishing nets, and in providing docking and repair-facilities for private fishing vessels. Some of its commercial projects have been quite successful; they have introduced innovative products and ideas such as:
The BFDC has developed a range of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat frozen fish products from minced fish. Fish for these products came from its trawlers. These products have met good response from consumers and the technology is ready to be transferred to the private sector. The BFDC should continue such promotions and activities to develop products from fisheries.
