Govt to revamp fisheries policy eyeing chemical-free fish

The interim government is seeking to introduce sweeping reforms in the fisheries sector,  aiming to ensure  safe fish free of chemical, microbiological and hazardous elements.

The draft aims to ensure chemical-free production, supply and stocking of fish and looks to
to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The Department of Fisheries has drafted the National Fisheries Policy 2025 to that end, aiming to revise the decade-old national policy for the sector, which is the main provider of the country's protein needs.

The policy also aims to address the plight of climate refugees involved in fishing, funding at the local level, marine resource management, and the import-export of fish.

The draft has been submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, with stakeholder consultations expected to begin shortly, confirmed Abdur Rouf, director general of the Department of Fisheries.

"Based on the feedback received, we will adjust the draft as necessary," he said.

Bangladesh, home to one of the world's richest collections of inland and marine water bodies, has seen rapid growth in aquaculture through hatcheries and bio-floc systems. In fiscal year 2023-24, the country produced more than 50 lakh tonnes of fish, according to official data. Nearly 60 percent came from aquaculture, compared with only 16 percent in the early 1980s.

But alongside this expansion, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has become a pressing concern. Government officials, experts, and policymakers have repeatedly warned that antibiotic overuse in fish farming contributes to AMR in bacteria, undermining both animal and human health.

The concern is not theoretical. A recent study published in Nature found that two-thirds of fish samples in Bangladesh carried antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli, with the problem particularly acute in farmed fish. Researchers concluded that aquaculture environments serve as major reservoirs of multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming bacteria, creating food safety and public health risks.

Officials say the new draft marks the first comprehensive revision of fisheries policy since 1998. Over the past 25 years, aquaculture has expanded dramatically, while new challenges ranging from climate change to resource depletion have intensified.

"The new policy gives greater weight to marine and coastal issues, particularly in the context of the blue economy," Rouf said. "Our aim is to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources, which was largely overlooked in the past."

With a coastline of 710 kilometers, sovereignty over 354 nautical miles, and rights over a continental shelf area of 183,813 square kilometers, Bangladesh is at an advantage when it comes to using marine resources. However, experts have repeatedly pointed out that Bangladesh is failing to utilise that potential.

According to a 2018 World Bank report, Bangladesh's blue economy sector contributes approximately 3 percent to its GDP. Marine waters are home to 475 fish species, 36 shrimp species, and other commercially valuable resources such as crabs, conchs, and algae.

Speaking at an event in Dhaka recently, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said, "Out of our total domestic fish production, just 30 percent comes from the sea."

The draft also introduces climate change strategies for mitigation and adaptation, recognising the sector's vulnerability to rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, and erratic weather. It proposes alternative employment schemes for climate refugees and a special disaster fund for rehabilitation, alongside insurance mechanisms to protect fishers and farmers.

Inland water bodies remain central to Bangladesh's fish production, covering 4.7 million hectares and supporting 260 native freshwater fish species. The policy recommends stricter monitoring of hatcheries, prohibiting low-quality feed, and strengthening processing facilities to meet modern consumer demand and boost exports.

It also calls for establishing a new laboratory system to ensure the quality of fish imports and exports, aligning Bangladesh with international safety standards. A dedicated wing within the ministry would oversee trade expansion, especially in marine resources beyond shrimp exports.

Fishers' welfare is also a priority. The draft proposes Vulnerable Group Feeding assistance during seasonal fishing bans, including the 58-day closure in the Bay of Bengal and jatka conservation periods in rivers.

Fish farmer Munjer Alam from Chapainawabganj welcomed the draft, describing it as "overall good," but noted that enforcement would be critical.

"The policy highlights many important issues, but authorities must ensure strict implementation. There should be greater emphasis on harvesting fish from the sea using modern technology, rather than focusing only on shrimp exports," he said.

He also called for investments in fish processing and hatchery improvements, and a complete halt to harmful practices such as using growth hormones and poor-quality animal feed.

He further stressed the need to strengthen fish processing to meet the demands of the new generation and enhance export potential.