Rajshahi Correspondent:

Boosting the number of sanctuaries can be the crucial means of protecting indigenous fish species and fish biodiversity together with increasing fish production to meet up the gradually rising protein demands in the region.

Once the region was enriched with various types of fish species, particularly the small indigenous ones but at present the many of the fishes are on the verge of extinction due to various reasons, including the adverse impact of climate change.

Government officials and fish experts made the observations while inaugurating the ‘Fisheries Week 2025’ jointly organized by district administration and Department of Fisheries (DoF) here t on Monday.

The opening ceremony was marked by releasing fish fingerlings at the Collectorate Building pond, a rally followed by a discussion meeting at conference hall of Primary Teachers Institute.

Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Habibur Rahman addressed the meeting as chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter in the chair.

DoF Divisional Director Saifuddin Yeahia, District Fisheries Officer Jahangir Alam, Additional Superintendent of Police Shariful Islam and retired DoF Deputy Directors Abdul Wahed Mondal and Muhammad Moniruzzaman also spoke.

Referring to the immense prospect of the fisheries sector, Additional Commissioner Habibur Rahman said fish production could easily be increased to a great extent if the natural resources were utilized properly.

He recommended inspiring the farmers, providing them with the latest scientific technologies and educating them in producing quality fish fries to boost production.

In his remarks, Saifuddin Yeahia said Rajshahi, along with its surrounding areas, is witnessing a positive trend in native fish farming, marked by technological advancement, species diversification and burgeoning economic opportunities.

The growth of native fish farming in the region is being propelled by a combination of government initiatives, increased public awareness and the adoption of modern farming techniques. As a result, farmers are diversifying their fish production and utilizing more efficient and sustainable practices.

Some fishermen attending the discussion stressed the need to address the problems faced by fish farmers to achieve the desired goals.

Later, the guests handed over prizes among four fish farmers and three institutions as recognition of their laudable contribution to fish farming and production.