United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Thursday suspended all new and existing approvals for importing shrimp fry for Vannamei farming, citing risks of disease transmission and environmental pollution linked to the exotic species. In a media release issued in the afternoon, the ministry said the decision was taken following a high-level meeting held on January 7, chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, to review the environmental, social and economic impacts of Vannamei shrimp farming in Bangladesh and determine future actions. The meeting noted that Vannamei shrimp is an import-dependent species and that the import of its fry poses risks of disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and adverse impacts on indigenous species, including Bagda (black tiger shrimp) and Galda (freshwater prawn). In this context, participants opined that unregulated expansion of Vannamei shrimp farming would not be appropriate. The discussion emphasised keeping Vannamei shrimp farming limited to controlled, intensive and environmentally compliant systems. It was also decided that the activities of already approved Vannamei farmers would be closely monitored, with on-site evaluations to ensure full compliance with stipulated farming conditions. Until such evaluations are completed, all forms of new and existing approvals for importing Vannamei shrimp fry will remain suspended, the media release said. The meeting further decided to undertake necessary research to assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of Vannamei shrimp farming. Future policy and administrative decisions will be taken based on the findings of these studies. At the same time, the ministry underscored the need to prioritise the expansion of domestic shrimp farming by boosting the production of indigenous Bagda and Galda shrimp, rather than relying on imported species, and to take up suitable projects to support this goal. Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, senior ministry officials, and fisheries officers from relevant districts, also attended the meeting.