Bangladesh moves to revamp fisheries policy with chemical-free fish goal

BANGLADESH – Bangladesh’s interim government is moving to overhaul the country’s fisheries sector with a new policy aimed at ensuring safe, chemical-free fish while tackling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The Department of Fisheries has prepared the draft National Fisheries Policy 2025, marking the first comprehensive revision of fisheries policy since 1998. 

The document, now with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, seeks to regulate production, supply, and stocking of fish free from harmful chemicals, microbiological hazards, and antibiotic misuse.

“We have submitted the draft policy to the ministry. Based on the feedback received, we will adjust the draft as necessary,” said Abdur Rouf, director general of the Department of Fisheries.

Tackling antibiotic overuse and food safety

Aquaculture has boomed in Bangladesh over the past four decades, with production jumping from 16% of total fish output in the early 1980s to nearly 60% in 2023-24. The country produced over 5 million tonnes of fish last fiscal year, according to official data.

But experts warn that unchecked growth has come at a cost. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in fish farms is contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with serious implications for both public health and trade. 

A recent Nature study found that two-thirds of fish samples in Bangladesh carried antibiotic-resistant E. coli, with farmed fish particularly affected. Researchers concluded that aquaculture systems are major reservoirs of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Government officials say the new policy will prioritise stricter monitoring of hatcheries, prohibit low-quality feed, and strengthen laboratory testing to ensure food safety. It also proposes new facilities to align imports and exports with international safety standards.

Blue economy and climate change

The draft policy also expands its focus to Bangladesh’s underused marine resources. With a coastline of 710 kilometres and sovereignty over an extensive continental shelf, the country has access to 475 fish species and 36 shrimp species, yet only 30% of its total fish production comes from the sea.

“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.”

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter echoed the sentiment at a recent Dhaka event, noting, “Out of our total domestic fish production, just 30% comes from the sea.”

In addition, the policy introduces strategies to help the sector adapt to climate change, including mitigation plans, alternative employment schemes for climate refugees, and disaster relief funds. Insurance mechanisms for fishers and farmers are also being considered.

Welfare and enforcement challenges

The draft makes fishers’ welfare a priority, with proposals for Vulnerable Group Feeding support during seasonal bans such as the 58-day fishing closure in the Bay of Bengal and jatka conservation periods in rivers.

Fish farmers have cautiously welcomed the initiative but remain sceptical about implementation. Munjer Alam, a farmer from Chapainawabganj, said the draft was “overall good,” but added, “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 also urged investments in hatcheries, fish processing, and an end to harmful practices such as using growth hormones and poor-quality animal feed.

With consultations set to begin shortly, policymakers, producers, and experts will now weigh in on the draft.

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