The government has taken multi-pronged and long-term measures to protect the country’s river and marine resources, with a key objective of ensuring sustainable fishing from the sea for future generations, said Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries (DoF).

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting titled ‘Voluntary Removal of Illegal Trawler Equipment and Protection of Marine Fisheries Resources’ at the BFDC Fish Landing Centre in Mohipur area of the district, Dr Rouf also emphasised that dredging of rivers will continue on a priority basis.

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Patuakhali District Fisheries Office and the Hilsa Resource Development and Management Project organised the event.

A detailed list to prevent river encroachment and pollution has already been sent to the Ministry of Shipping, and the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute has been instructed to identify submerged shoals in rivers and sea routes.

He stressed that year-round drives will continue against illegal trawler use, catching undersized fish, and fishing during the banned season.

“Illegal trawlers damage fish and other aquatic life, hinder fish production and cause scarcity. Stopping them will increase production in the sea,” he said, adding that the drives are being conducted jointly by the administration, Coast Guard, local government and the Department of Fisheries.

Highlighting the potential of the blue economy, Dr Rouf informed that research is ongoing to harvest tuna from the deep sea, with the private sector also involved. The government has taken necessary initiatives to increase the amount of VGF assistance for fishermen.

On the international front, he said efforts are underway to coordinate fishing schedules with India. “Through coordinated efforts, diplomatic initiatives and legal processes, we will succeed in protecting our marine resources.”

Dr Rouf expressed the hope that joint efforts would make Bangladesh a model in marine resource management.

Other speakers at the meeting called for increased VGF assistance, intensified river dredging, identifying submerged shoals and effective steps for blue economy implementation.

Fishermen’s representative Siddik Majhi demanded enhanced government benefits during the fishing ban and the introduction of modern vessels to safely bring fishermen ashore during adverse weather. Fishermen present said the sea is currently yielding plenty of hilsa and other marine fish, though adverse weather often reduces the catch.

Prior to the meeting, Dr Rouf led a delegation to inspect the Mohipur fish market. As part of the day’s programme, equipment from 28 illegal trawlers was voluntarily removed.