Sustainable Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, and Alternative Livelihoods are the means for Survival of Small-Scale Fishers

COAST Foundation, following the previous years, observed International Fisheries Day 2025 on 21 November in Cox’s Bazar.

This year’s theme was “Sustainable Fisheries for Prosperity-Protect Aquatic Ecosystems and Conserve Fisheries Resources.”

The day was observed with a rally and various awareness-raising slogans.

The rally was inaugurated by Md. Rashed Ahmed, Senior Fisheries Officer, Department of Fisheries, Cox’s Bazar, attended the event as Chief Guest. Md. Gias Uddin, General Secretary of Khurushkul Fishermen’s Samity, and Roksana Akter Rupa, UP Member of Pokkhali Union Parishad, were present as Special Guests. Leaders of the District Networking Committee also joined the program.

The rally started from the Khurushkul Wind Power plant area and concluded at the fish market in Chawfaldhondi Bazar.

After the rally, a panel discussion was conducted titled “Management and Biodiversity of Open Water Bodies in Bangladesh: Current Status and Challenges” was held as part of the activities.

The guests highlighted that inclusive decision-making processes are essential for poverty reduction and sustaining the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. To ensure their survival and to safeguard the ecosystem creating alternative income opportunities, along with access to finance, training, and business development, are crucial.

These measures would enable fishers to diversify their income sources instead of depending on a single occupation.

On behalf of COAST Foundation, Md. Babul Hossen, Program Officer, presented the keynote paper.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining natural river flows, importance of one health and ensuring proper management plan and implementation of open water bodies to increase fish production and strengthen food security.

Among others, Shamima Akter, women fisher leader; Md. Imam Khayer, local journalist etc. were present. A total of 55 women from small-scale fisher communities from Khurushkul and Pokkhali Unions participated in the rally and the discussion session.

In his speech, the Chief Guest highlighted the need for policy actions to address pollution and protect open water bodies. The Special Guests called for legal measures to ensure the breeding of native fish species in rivers, canals, and other open water ecosystems. Women leaders demanded active protection of local ecosystems from the impacts of commercial aquaculture, eco-tourism and dredging.

All participants agreed that the significance of this day must go beyond mere celebration. They mentioned, it is imperative to practice at the local level, communicate these demands to policymakers and further strengthen advocacy for sustainable fisheries governance.