On the potential and constraints of mariculture development in Bangladesh

Abstract

Development of a blue economy is firmly embedded in the development plans of Bangladesh. Advances in freshwater aquaculture have promoted Bangladesh to the fifth largest fish producer in the world. However, the marine resource base of Bangladesh, which is now even greater following the recent settling of disputes regarding maritime boundaries with neighbouring countries, lends itself to the development of marine aquaculture—known as mariculture. Several potential areas and opportunities for mariculture development have been identified for implementation under the concept of blue economy development in Bangladesh. We identify the most promising fish species as the hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), seabass (Lates calcarifer) and the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), and the shrimp species as black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), brown shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros), Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) and the mud crab (Scylla serata). Further, some non-traditional marine species like seaweed, microalgae, shellfish (mussel, oyster) and the sea cucumber offer considerable potential. However, there remain major challenges and constraints that need to be addressed in order for mariculture to further develop and contribute to a growing blue economy in Bangladesh. Most notably, ministries, departments and research institutions, along with interested private entrepreneurs, must collaborate to formulate strategies for effective development and implementation, so that mariculture can contribute to food security and economic development through export opportunities.

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“…Natural feed is given to shrimp larvae because it is in accordance with the characteristics of shrimp larvae and has a high nutritional content (Rukmana et al 2017). This is also supported by Aftab et al (2021), who stated that natural feeding on shrimp larvae not only increases growth and survival, but also increases the success of metamorphosis, provides natural color and increases antibiotic activity in shrimp larvae.…”

“…The integrity of microalgae in aquaculture brings not only technical advantages but also economic benefits (Han et al 2019). This is also supported by Aftab et al (2021), who stated that microalgae are used in commercial business of marine biota cultivation as natural feed, among others, at the larval growth stage of several species of shrimp, mollusks and fish.…”

Aquaculture practices in Bangladesh: A synopsis on prospects, productivity, and problems

“…For instance, fish (including hilsa shad, seabass, gray mullet, and saline‐tolerant tilapia) and other animal species (mussels, oysters, clam, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers) could be cultured to fortify the mariculture sector of Bangladesh (Hussain et al, 2017). Major mariculture challenges in Bangladesh include site selection, seed production, feed formulation, skilled manpower, start‐up funds, and logistics support (AftabUddin et al, 2021). Apart from solving these issues, major government organizations, such as the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, could take initiatives, especially community‐based approaches, to establish the mariculture sector of Bangladesh.…”

Comparison of length-weight relationship, condition factor, and dressing percentage of the Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) across the natural habitats in Bangladesh

“…The production of this fish has increased during the recent years. It has been increased interest in seabass for induced breeding (partial), polyculture with tilapia in ponds and experimental cage culture in the coastal waters of Cox"s Bazar, thus it would contribute to economy in Bangladesh (AftabUddin et al, 2021). These types of products are also exported to many countries of the world (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2017).…”