Ecological imbalance feared as small pelagic fish stocks fall 78pc in Bay

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has sounded the alarm over a drastic decline in Bangladesh's marine fish resources, citing new findings from the 2025 survey conducted under the global "Dr Fridtjof Nansen" programme.

According to the survey, the stock of small pelagic fish in the Bay of Bengal has plummeted from 158,000 tonnes to just 33,811 tonnes over the past seven years - a 78.6 per cent decrease. The depletion of large predatory fish has also triggered a rapid surge in jellyfish populations, which she described as a serious warning sign for the region's ecological stability.

"These results indicate an urgent need for swift intervention in the Bay of Bengal ecosystem," she said while speaking as the chief guest on the second day of the international conference 'Marine Fisheries and Blue Innovations: Safeguarding Ocean Harmony', organised by the University of Chittagong's Institute of Marine Sciences at The Peninsula Hotel in Chattogram.

Farida Akhter stressed that climate change and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing cannot be addressed by any single country. "Enhanced regional and global cooperation is essential," she said.

Highlighting Bangladesh's advancements in fish production, the Adviser emphasised the need for responsible harvesting, technology-driven innovations, science-based decisions, and effective marine governance to ensure long-term sustainability.

She noted that recognising the blue economy as a national priority has created opportunities to build a sustainable marine future by integrating scientific research, policymaking, and community development.

Describing Hilsa as a national and global heritage resource, the Adviser warned that despite Bangladesh's position as the world's top Hilsa producer, the species now faces increasing threats. A coordinated approach across all layers of the marine ecosystem is urgently needed, she added.