Report on health consultation visits and workshop on potential IMTA production systems & species in Khulna region, Bangladesh

Abstract

This report provides a general insight into IMTA farming systems and species from the Khulna district, with a focus on farmer practices, species management, health risks, and future opportunities for development. A variety of stakeholders were consulted to gather preliminary information on the current health status and key risk factors impacting the health of potential IMTA systems and species, including government institutions, researchers, farmers, as well as WorldFish employees involved in parallel aquaculture projects in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Bagerhat, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) in Khulna, and Khulna University (KU) were among the Bangladesh Government and research stakeholders approached for the health consultation. Farmers were visited in various locations in 3 upazilas of the Khulna district, namely Paikgacha, Dumuria and Batiaghata upazilas. Following the field visits, an introduction to future AABS IMTA health activities and a summary of the gathered information were presented to WorldFish Bangladesh staff in Dhaka, with whom information on selected aquatic species across different trophic levels was further discussed in breakout group sessions.