Dhaka: The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has announced the suspension of all new and existing approvals for importing shrimp fry for Vannamei farming, due to concerns over disease transmission and environmental pollution associated with the exotic species. The decision follows a high-level meeting on January 7, chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, which aimed to evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of Vannamei shrimp farming in Bangladesh.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting highlighted the risks posed by the import-dependent Vannamei shrimp, particularly in terms of potential disease outbreaks and environmental degradation. Concerns were also raised about the adverse effects on indigenous species such as Bagda (black tiger shrimp) and Galda (freshwater prawn). Participants of the meeting expressed the view that the unregulated expansion of Vannamei shrimp farming would be inappropriate at this time.

The discussion underscored the need to restrict Vannamei shrimp farming to controlled, intensive, and environmentally compliant systems. It was also decided that the activities of already approved Vannamei farmers would be closely monitored, with on-site evaluations to ensure adherence to stipulated farming conditions. Until these evaluations are completed, all forms of new and existing approvals for importing Vannamei shrimp fry will remain suspended.

The meeting further resolved to conduct necessary research to assess the comprehensive impacts of Vannamei shrimp farming, with future policy and administrative decisions to be based on the findings of these studies. Additionally, the ministry emphasized the importance of expanding domestic shrimp farming by increasing the production of indigenous Bagda and Galda shrimp instead of relying on imported species, alongside developing suitable projects to achieve this objective.

The meeting was attended by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, as well as senior ministry officials and fisheries officers from relevant districts.