POBNEWS24, Dhaka Aug 19, 2025 : Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar said that a Norwegian research ship, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, will conduct a fishery and ecosystem survey in Bangladeshi marine waters in the Bay of Bengal from August 21 to September 21. A total of 26 researchers from different countries of the world, including 13 scientists from various institutions in Bangladesh, will participate in the approximately 32-day expedition.
She made this statement at a press conference at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Tuesday (August 19) afternoon.
The advisor said that fishery resources harvested from the Bay of Bengal are playing a significant role in the country’s economic prosperity, food security and employment. If proper management of Bangladesh’s marine waters is ensured, this sector will be able to further strengthen the national economy. The survey will assess the abundance and stock of small pelagic and mesopelagic fish, assess the species diversity of bottom fisheries, and analyze the overall condition of the marine ecosystem. In addition, information on sea temperature, salinity, current speed, productivity, deep-sea circulation system, and climate change will be collected.
The advisor said that research will also be conducted on microplastics, marine litter, oxygen minimum zone, carbon dioxide, and seawater acidity, which will help in formulating effective policies to address the impacts of climate change in the future.
Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka, Ms. Marianne Rabe, said that Norway has always been cooperating with Bangladesh in sustainable fisheries management and marine research. The information collected through the research vessel will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries and play a role in ensuring global food security.
Bangladesh Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mr. Ziakun Shi said, with the cooperation of the Norwegian government, it will be helpful for Bangladesh to make science-based decisions. Through this, it will be possible to ensure sustainable fisheries management, which is essential for national and global food security.
At this time, Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Tofazzel Hossain, Additional Secretary Md. Imam Uddin Kabir, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf were present.
