Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasised that ensuring safety of aquaculture feed is just as important as boosting production, as aquaculture is highly dependent on feed.
“Safe feed means safe fish, which is why we remain concerned about the issue,” she said.
She made the remarks on Sunday while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence at Dera Resort in Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar.
The Embassy of the Netherlands and FishTech BD Ltd jointly organised the event.
Highlighting the importance of sustainability, Farida said, “Sustainability is not only about keeping industries alive, but also about protecting the environment, securing livelihoods, and maintaining social harmony.”
She called for prioritising safety, sustainable development, and livelihoods, adding that measuring the true impact of the fisheries sector is not just about how many tons of fish are produced but also about how many people are involved in the industry.
“That is the real indicator of its social and economic contribution,” she noted, urging the Department of Fisheries and agencies concerned to strengthen monitoring.
The adviser also praised the effectiveness of the in-pond raceway system (IPRS) for Bangladesh, describing it as a modern, high-yield, and sustainable method of fish farming.
FishTech Chairman Khandaker Farhad Hossain delivered the welcome address, outlining the company’s vision for fisheries and aquaculture development.
Adviser Farida Akhter visited the Department of Fisheries’ Crab Hatchery and Nursery Complex in Cox’s Bazar’s Kolatoli area. She also inspected the PCR lab and other facilities under the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project.
