Adviser Farida Akhter today spoke as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Department of Fisheries' project titled 'Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries' at a hotel in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today stressed the urgent need for an integrated plan for coastal and deep-sea fisheries, warning that unplanned harvesting and declining access to marine resources are creating an alarming situation.

"The unplanned harvesting of fish is reducing fish stocks in the sea. The inability to access the deep sea and the decline in coastal fishing have together created an alarming situation. Therefore, an integrated plan focusing on both the coast and the deep sea is essential," she said.

The adviser made the remarks today while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Department of Fisheries' project titled 'Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries' held at a hotel in the capital.

The adviser said Bangladesh has tremendous potential in marine fisheries which must be utilized. 

The adviser called for attention to the unknown prospects of marine resources. 

She said many fish species have yet to be identified, and deep-sea fishing has not fully begun. 

Recalling her experience at the COP-30 conference, she said climate change is now a major influencing factor for marine fisheries. 

Therefore, future planning must consider the impact of climate change with utmost importance, she added.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rouf presided over the event. 

Secretary of the ministry Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber and senior officials of the ministry and the department, representatives of various forums and concerned stakeholders were present, among others, on the occasion.