Bangladesh's booming aquaculture faces overfishing and climate threats, expert warns

Farida Akhter, an adviser on fisheries and livestock affairs, has raised urgent concerns about Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector. She highlighted threats from overfishing, unsafe feed, and the loss of farmland to fish farming. Her warnings come as the industry expands rapidly in key regions like Rajshahi. Akhter stressed the need to protect hilsa, Bangladesh’s most prized fish, from over-exploitation and illegal trade. She also called for stricter controls on aquaculture medicines and feed, citing risks to public health from unregulated products.

The number of fish ponds in Rajshahi district has grown by 25% over the past decade, rising from 40,788 in 2015 to 51,275 in 2025. Rajshahi now supplies around 40% of the country’s farmed fish, with over 600 commercial farmers operating in the area. However, Akhter warned against converting rice fields and other essential farmland into aquaculture sites, stating this could undermine food security.

Climate change has added further pressure, with rising temperatures causing fish deaths in several regions. Farmers are now being encouraged to adopt modern techniques to keep ponds cool. Akhter also pushed for a national aquaculture policy to set clear rules on permissible practices. Additionally, she urged authorities to expand export opportunities, particularly to countries with large Bangladeshi migrant populations. Akhter’s proposals include tighter regulation of feed and drugs, better monitoring of fish farming, and a halt to the conversion of agricultural land. She also backs efforts to boost exports while ensuring sustainable growth in the sector. The changes aim to balance industry expansion with food security and public health protection.