Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said a national conservation strategy and plan of action for Sharks and Ray fishes in Bangladesh and CITES Non-detriment Findings (NDF) have been developed to protect endangered species of sharks and rays from extinction.
“The action plan will play an important role in controlling the cross-border trade of Sharks and Rays, ensuring sustainable and productive fishery livelihoods for the coastal community and improving the marine ecosystem,” Shahab Uddin said while addressing as chief guest of a national consultation meeting organized by the Forest Department at Hotel Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in Dhaka.
“More than 100 species of Sharks and Rays exist in the sea of our country are under threat of extinction. These are very important for maintaining the healthy environment of our coastal and marine ecosystems,” he said, according to a press release on Sunday.
He also said the action plan, formulated with the technical assistance of the Wildlife Conservation Society which was funded by the Sustainable Forest and Livelihood (SUFAL) project, would serve as a guide for government agencies, local communities, NGOs, research institutes and private enterprises.
“Excessive catching should be controlled to protect sharks and rays from extinction forever. That is why all concerned should work together without delay. So that marine ecosystems and biodiversity can make a significant contribution to our livelihood and national economy,” the minister added.
Shahab Uddin said the two declared marine protected areas namely the Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area covering an area of 1738 sq km and St Martin Marine Protected Area covering an area of 1743 sq km will play an important role in conserving Sharks and Rays.
Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Farhina Ahmed presided over the occasion. Keynote speech was delivered by Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, senior manager marine conservation programme of Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangladesh.
Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Director General, Department of Fisheries Khandaker Mahbubul Haque and PD of SUFAL project Gobinda Roy, were also present as special guests.
