Increase production and promotion of cultured shrimp and seabass in the mainstream market channels

Abstract

Fisheries and Aquaculture sector in Bangladesh occupies an important place in the economy of the country with significant contribution to her GDP, labour force absorption, export from the sector and a whole range of economic activities all along the value-chain in the sector. The sector’s contribution to the life and livelihoods of the people in the coastal areas is especially important. The dominant fish species cultured in coastal region is Bagda (Penaeus monodon) and this is also the main export item from the fisheries sector. The per hectare production of shrimp in the coastal region of Bangladesh however remains quite low (about 360 kg/ha) and the coastal aquaculture is also known for the diversity of its products/fish species mix. This has important consequence for limited export growth from the sector. Rich and extensive research indicates that poor resource endowment, knowledge gap on Good Aquaculture Practices and inadequate and assured supply of vitally needed inputs are major supply side constraints afflicting the shrimp sector and very limited successful initiatives have been taken to encourage product diversification. The project entitled ‘Increase production and promotion of cultured shrimp and seabass in the mainstream market channels’ was implemented by Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation and WorldFish with financial support from USAID Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture and Nutrition Activity to address these major constraints.