Introduction
Fish production, encompassing both aquaculture (fish farming) and capture fisheries (harvesting
from natural water bodies), plays a vital and increasingly strategic role in the global food system.
It provides a significant portion of the world's animal protein, particularly in developing
countries where fish is often the most affordable and accessible source of high-quality nutrition.
Globally, fish contribute to over 17% of the animal protein consumed by humans, highlighting
its critical role in food and nutritional security.
The fisheries sector also supports the livelihoods of over 600 million people worldwide through
direct and indirect employment in fishing, farming, processing, transportation, and trade. From
small-scale inland fishers to commercial marine enterprises, the sector offers economic
opportunities across a wide range of skill levels and geographies.
In countries like Bangladesh, where natural water resources such as rivers, floodplains, estuaries,
beels, and the Bay of Bengal are abundant, fish production is an essential pillar of the economy.
Bangladesh ranks among the top countries in the world in inland fish production, with fisheries
contributing around 3.5% to the national GDP and more than a quarter of the agricultural GDP.
The sector not only provides vital nutrition to the population but also generates significant export
earnings, particularly through shrimp and frozen fish products.
As global demand for fish continues to rise due to population growth, urbanization, and health-
conscious consumption patterns, ensuring sustainable, equitable, and resilient fish production
systems is more important than ever.
1
Economic Importance of Fish Production
Fish production holds vast economic importance. It contributes to multiple sectors such as:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): In Bangladesh, fisheries contribute over 3.5% to the
national GDP and more than 25% to the agricultural GDP.
Employment: Millions of people are engaged in fish farming, fishing, processing,
transportation, and marketing.
Food Security: Fish is a major source of high-quality animal protein and essential fatty
acids.
Export Revenue: Fish and shrimp exports bring significant foreign currency, especially
in developing countries.
Rural Development: Fisheries support economic activity in remote areas where few
alternatives exist.
Poverty Reduction: Fish farming is a common income-generating activity for low-
income households.
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Fish Culture (Aquaculture)
Aquaculture refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in controlled environments
like ponds, cages, tanks, or paddy fields.
Types of Aquaculture:
Freshwater Aquaculture: Common in ponds using species like Rohu, Catla, Tilapia, and
Pangas.
Brackish Water Aquaculture: Focuses on shrimp farming, particularly in coastal
regions.
Mariculture: Marine aquaculture that includes species like sea bass and seaweed.
Benefits of Aquaculture:
Controlled production allows year-round supply.
High productivity per unit area compared to capture fisheries.
Less reliance on unpredictable natural resources.
Supports technology transfer and genetic improvement.
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Capture Fisheries
Capture fisheries involve harvesting wild fish from natural water bodies without stocking or
artificial feeding.
Types:
Inland Capture Fisheries: Conducted in rivers, lakes, beels, haors, and floodplains.
Marine Capture Fisheries: Performed in coastal and deep-sea waters.
Key Characteristics:
Seasonal variation in catch.
Relatively low input cost.
Vital for subsistence fishers.
Subject to resource depletion and overfishing.
Traditional fishing communities heavily rely on capture fisheries for their livelihood and cultural
practices.
Marine Fisheries and Economic Aspects
Marine fisheries are essential for the coastal economy and national exports.
Key Economic Contributions:
High Market Value: Marine species such as shrimp, tuna, and pomfret have high
international demand.
Employment: Large numbers of coastal residents depend on fishing, boat making, and
fish marketing.
Export Earnings: Shrimp and frozen fish are key export items in countries like
Bangladesh.
Challenges:
Overfishing, illegal fishing, habitat degradation, and climate change threaten
sustainability.
Infrastructure, such as cold storage and fishing harbors, is often lacking.
To address these, many nations focus on better regulation, ecosystem-based management, and
international collaboration.
4
Economic Factors in Aquaculture Production
Aquaculture profitability is influenced by several economic factors:
1. Capital Investment: Includes pond construction, water pumps, aerators, and netting.
2. Operational Costs: Feed, seed, labor, electricity, and medicine form the bulk of
recurring expenses.
3. Market Access: Distance to urban centers and market price volatility affect profit
margins.
4. Species Selection: Fast-growing, disease-resistant species like tilapia and pangas are
more profitable.
5. Feeding Efficiency: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) directly impacts cost efficiency.
6. Government Support: Access to loans, subsidies, and training increases productivity.
Farmers must balance investment with risk, especially during disease outbreaks or market
crashes.
Open Water Capture: Investment and Economic Returns
Fishing in open water bodies such as rivers and beels requires specific investments but offers
good returns if managed well.
Investment Requirements:
Boats, nets, GPS, fish storage boxes
Licensing fees and fuel costs
Infrastructure like landing stations
Returns:
Profitable during peak seasons (e.g., hilsa migration).
Lower production cost than aquaculture.
Community-based or co-managed systems often result in higher sustainability.
5
Problems and Constraints in Fish Production
Although fish production has high potential, several problems persist:
Biological Constraints:
Poor-quality seed and broodstock
Disease outbreaks (e.g., EUS, white spot in shrimp)
Technical Constraints:
Lack of training in best aquaculture practices
Insufficient access to modern technology
Environmental Challenges:
Water pollution from agricultural runoff, industry, and domestic waste
Destruction of natural fish habitats (e.g., river drying, damming)
Economic Constraints:
High feed prices
Unstable market prices for fish
Limited access to formal credit
Policy and Institutional Issues:
Weak regulation enforcement
Inadequate fisheries extension services
Poor coordination among stakeholders
These issues limit productivity, profitability, and sustainability across the sector.
6
Improvement Measures
To overcome challenges and ensure sustainable growth in fish production, the following
measures are essential:
1. Promote Sustainable Aquaculture:
Encourage integrated farming systems (e.g., fish-rice farming)
Adopt biosecurity and environmentally friendly practices
2. Strengthen Research and Development:
Invest in disease-resistant strains
Develop low-cost, high-quality feed
Innovate water management and breeding techniques
3. Improve Infrastructure and Input Supply:
Establish modern hatcheries, feed mills, and cold storage facilities
Ensure availability of quality seed and feed at affordable prices
4. Expand Training and Extension Services:
Provide skill development programs for farmers and fishers
Use digital platforms for knowledge sharing
5. Enhance Access to Finance and Insurance:
Provide soft loans and microcredit schemes
Introduce aquaculture insurance to reduce risk
6. Ensure Proper Regulation and Governance:
Strengthen enforcement of fishing bans and licensing systems
Support community-based co-management for capture fisheries
7. Empower Communities and Women:
Involve women in fish processing and value chains
Build local cooperatives to manage shared water bodies
By addressing these areas, fish production can meet growing demand while ensuring economic
and environmental sustainability.
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Conclusion
Fish production is a pillar of national food security and economic stability, particularly in
developing countries. With both aquaculture and capture fisheries contributing significantly to
employment, income, and nutrition, strategic improvements in management, infrastructure, and
policy are essential. A balanced approach that combines innovation with sustainability can
ensure long-term prosperity in the fisheries sector.
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Reference
1. http://fisheries.gov.bd
2. https://mof.gov.bd
3. https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/facp/BGD
4. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/03/16/bangladesh-
enhancing-aquaculture-for-sustainable-development
5. https://seafoodnetworkbd.com/bangladesh-fisheries-sector-continuing-
a-downward-trend-a-drop-in-gdp-share
