A meeting was held in Faridpur under the project of conservation and development of native species of fish and snails.
The meeting was organized by the district fisheries department on Monday morning in the conference room of the deputy commissioner's office.
Deputy Commissioner Atul Sarkar addressed the meeting as the chief guest under the chairmanship of District Fisheries Officer Md Monirul Islam.
SM Ashikur Rahman, Project Director, Conservation and Development of Indigenous Species and Snails of Gopalganj Fisheries Department was present as special guest.In 49 upazilas surrounded by canals and beels, a four-year project to conserve and develop native species of fish and snails has been taken up, sources said.
The objective of this project is to increase fish production through conservation and development activities of native species of fish and snails in the project area, to create alternative employment through fish farming in paddy fields and expansion of appropriate technology in the area.
To build skilled and trained manpower to increase safe fish production. Exhibition of fish farming of native species, Exhibition of cultivation of snails, oysters and pearls. Establishment of fish sanctuaries, establishment of bill nurseries, implementation of fisheries laws and registration of fish farms.
According to project related sources, under this project, 392 indigenous fish farming exhibitions will be set up, fish farming in cages in 100 units, 314 fish farming, fish farming for 49 paddy, 100 oyster farming and 200 pearl farming exhibitions will be set up. Besides, 180 sanctuaries, 240 sanctuaries will be renovated and maintained, 196 bill nurseries will be set up, 2 lakh fish farms will be registered and 14 crore 70 lakh fish will be stocked for release of fish.
The chief guest in his speech said that besides fish conservation, alternative employment should be provided to the fishermen. He noted the need to change the way fishermen work. He also mentioned that fishing would not be a problem for fishermen if they were interested in other activities besides fishing.
Highlighting the need for conservation of native species of fish, he said small fish sanctuaries are being lost. To restore these shelters, small fish needs to be conserved to meet the demand for meat. Emphasizing the importance of cultivating snails, oysters and pearls, the chief guest said that besides fish farming, farmers also have the opportunity to cultivate snails, oysters and pearls. It was informed that necessary assistance will be provided by the government for this.
