USAID’s Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh II (ECOFISH II) Activity, implemented by WorldFish Bangladesh, successfully held a landmark consultation meeting at the Grandmark Dhaka, Banani, on Saturday.

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s marine and coastal fisheries, focusing on the fisheries blue economy, fisheries co-management, and the delineation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Md Zillur Rahman, director general of the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest. Aditya Sood, environment officer at USAID Bangladesh, joined the event as a special guest, with Dr Benoy Kumar Barman, interim country representative of WorldFish Bangladesh, presiding over the meeting.

The consultation served as a platform to share insights and lessons from the extensive research and development initiatives undertaken by the ECOFISH II Activity. Discussions revolved around three crucial themes: exploring opportunities, challenges, and the way forward for Bangladesh’s fisheries blue economy; developing organisational frameworks for Landing Centre-based Fisheries Co-management Committees (LFCCs); and conducting site suitability assessments for new MPAs in Bangladesh.

The event drew a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), FAO, NGOs, academia, and development partners.

Senior officials from USAID and WorldFish Bangladesh were also present. The meeting facilitated robust dialogue, fostering collaboration towards the sustainable management of Bangladesh’s marine and coastal fisheries.

The day-long event featured presentations by distinguished experts and open discussions on innovative approaches and potential collaborations in fisheries management. The strategies and insights developed during the meeting are expected to significantly influence the advancement of the fisheries blue economy and marine fisheries conservation efforts in Bangladesh.