Department of Fisheries (Bangladesh)

Department of Fisheries (Bangladesh)
Name	Department of Fisheries (Bangladesh)
Native name	মৎস্য অধিদপ্তর
Formed	1971
Jurisdiction	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Headquarters	Dhaka
Minister1 name	Sheikh Hasina
Parent agency	Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Bangladesh)

Department of Fisheries (Bangladesh) is the central authority for fisheries administration in Dhaka, Bangladesh, tasked with policy implementation, resource management, and sector development. The department operates within the framework set by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Bangladesh), collaborating with national institutions such as the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, and international partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank. It interfaces with regional bodies like the Bay of Bengal Programme and national programs such as the National Agricultural Technology Project to support aquaculture, capture fisheries, and inland water resource management.

History

The department traces its antecedents to colonial-era fisheries offices linked to the British Raj administration and post-Partition structures associated with the Government of Pakistan. Following the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the agency was reorganized under policies promulgated by leaders such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and institutional reforms influenced by development financiers like the World Bank and agencies including the United Nations Development Programme. Major milestones include integration of research from the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute and programmatic expansions aligned with national plans such as the Fifth Five Year Plan (Bangladesh) and the Sixth Five Year Plan (Bangladesh).

Mandate and Functions

The department's statutory mandate encompasses promotion of aquaculture, conservation of inland and marine stocks, extension services, and disease control consistent with laws like the Fisheries Act (Bangladesh) and policy frameworks issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Bangladesh). Core functions include implementation of development projects financed by donors such as the Asian Development Bank, administration of hatchery licensing linked to standards from Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, and coordination with universities such as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University for capacity building and training.

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure features a Director General at the apex reporting to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Bangladesh), supported by directorates overseeing aquaculture, inland fisheries, marine fisheries, extension, and administration. Regional and district offices align with administrative divisions like Chittagong Division, Khulna Division, and Rajshahi Division, coordinating with institutions such as the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and local bodies including Upazila Parishad for field implementation. Technical linkages extend to research centers like the Cox's Bazar Marine Fisheries Station and training institutes such as the Bangladesh Fisheries Training Institute.

Fisheries Programs and Projects

The department manages flagship programs aimed at livelihoods, food security, and export promotion in collaboration with development partners including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Notable initiatives have included pond aquaculture expansion, community-based co-management in estuaries coordinated with the Coastal Afforestation Project, and hatchery modernization linked to national export strategies engaging ports like Chittagong Port and Mongla Port. Projects often integrate technical assistance from agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and investment from entities like the Islamic Development Bank.

Research and Development

Research and development activities are coordinated with the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, universities including Bangladesh Agricultural University and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and international centers like the WorldFish Center. R&D priorities address species diversification (e.g., Hilsa, Rohu, Mrigal, Tilapia), disease diagnostics informed by laboratories aligned with the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research, and climate resilience measures linked to programs such as the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (Bangladesh). Technology transfer initiatives draw on collaborations with institutions like the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh and regional knowledge networks including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Regulation and Enforcement

Regulatory responsibilities encompass licensing, quality control, and enforcement of fishing rules in coordination with bodies such as the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, and law enforcement units including the Bangladesh Police. Enforcement of closed seasons for species like Hilsa follows scientific advisories from the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute and policy directives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Bangladesh). Compliance mechanisms involve linkages with the Department of Environment (Bangladesh) for habitat protection and with standards authorities such as the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution for export certification.

International Cooperation and Partnerships

The department engages in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and regional entities such as the Bay of Bengal Programme. Strategic partnerships extend to donor governments like Japan, United Kingdom, and Norway, as well as research collaborations with the WorldFish Center, University of Stirling, and James Cook University. Participation in forums such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and regional dialogues under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation supports policy harmonization, trade facilitation, and conservation measures for transboundary resources like the Bay of Bengal fisheries.

Category:Government agencies of Bangladesh Category:Fisheries ministries