DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today issued directives to form committee quickly to determine the time for stopping fishing, saying it should be done scientifically considering breeding time of fishes.  

“Committee should be formed quickly comprising the department of fisheries, Bangladesh fisheries research institute, coast guard, naval police, navy and other concerned stakeholders to determine banning period of fishing,” she said.

The adviser issued the directive while addressing a "workshop on rescheduling the fishing banning period in the Bay of Bengal" at the conference room of the Department of Fisheries as chief guest, said a press release.
 
Laying emphasis on determining the right time for breeding and stopping fishing scientifically, Farida Akhter advised the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute to conduct more research and inform the people about the results of the research.

Mentioning Hilsa as the country’s natural resource, she said that Hilsa should be given a chance to grow after release of eggs and all have a responsibility in this regard.

She, however, stressed the need of rehabilitation of fishermen as they are ensuring the supply of protein.

“We’ve the responsibility to ensure facilities of fishermen as well as to protect fish.”

Referring to the campaign which has already been started against the companies producing fishing nets, she said as the controlling of nets are important to protect the fish, the authorities frequently fine various net manufacturing factories in Munshiganj.

Farida said, “I request the Ministry of Industries not to issue any licenses to factories involved in producing fishing nets.”

The adviser stressed on protecting maritime sovereignty as well as fish and the sea.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock ATM Mostafa Kamal, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Suraiya Akhtar Jahan, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr. Anuradha Bhadra also spoke with Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries in the chair.