Various species of endangered fish are returning to water bodies gradually since the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute has been working intensively to restore them. We observed that in the last decade different types of local fish species have been cultivated across the country and have started to return to platters. BFRI has developed and handed over technologies to fishermen for breeding and farming the endangered species of fish to ensure their return to water bodies for farming. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature as many as 64 species of sweet water fish out of 260 species in Bangladesh are in danger.
There are 143 species of small fish and most of the endangered varieties are from them. BFRI is working to get back all endangered species of indigenous fish. We have innovated technologies of breeding and farming of 31 species of those fish so far. Experts have suggested a number of measures, including the building of permanent sanctuaries in every river and beel and other water bodies, preventing river pollution and taking up waterbody dredging projects to reverse the current trend. Building of permanent sanctuaries in every river and beel will help fish species breed safely.
All rivers must be protected from pollution and mother fishes conserved at all costs. On the other hand, large-scale dredging is vital to regain the navigability of rivers, beels and canals. Besides, controlled breeding of all declining fish species all across the country is crucial. Where there is a sanctuary, the production of declining varieties has increased. So there must be a sanctuary at every possible fish breeding area. The government must take effective measures to protect different fish species also for ensuring food security. To conserve aquatic resources, the government needs to invest in the natural fish sanctuaries and ensure the natural flow of water in all rivers and other water bodies.
