Water Resources, Fisheries Potential, and Sustainable Management in Bangladesh: Challenges and the Way

Bijoy Kumar Ghosh:

Bangladesh is endowed with a vast wealth of natural water resources. Its extensive network of rivers, canals, wetlands, haors, baors, natural and man-made lakes, freshwater marshes, estuaries, and brackish water bodies has made the country one of the richest in fisheries resources in the world. This aquatic diversity is not only vital for biodiversity, but also plays a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting the economy, and sustaining rural livelihoods.

However, over time, disruptions to natural river flows, the filling and encroachment of canals and wetlands, overfishing, and environmental changes have put this immense potential at risk. Many indigenous fish species are now either extinct or on the verge of extinction, posing a serious concern for the country’s ecological balance.

In this context, restoring connectivity between rivers and wetlands has emerged as a key initiative. Re-excavation of canals is reconnecting previously isolated water bodies with rivers, thereby restoring natural fish migration routes and breeding grounds. As a result, fish reproduction has improved, biodiversity has been enriched, and local fishers are experiencing increased incomes. Additionally, improved water availability for irrigation is positively impacting agricultural productivity.

Currently, more than half of Bangladesh’s total fish production comes from aquaculture. The sector directly or indirectly supports the livelihoods of approximately 11% of the population. With the proper use of technology and sustainable management practices, aquaculture has the potential to meet the growing protein demands of the country’s expanding population.

That said, the reality remains complex. Poor fishing communities often rely on catching whatever is available for subsistence, while weak legal frameworks and inadequate enforcement mechanisms further exacerbate the situation. Nevertheless, several promising conservation initiatives offer hope. These include the establishment of fish sanctuaries in strategic locations across rivers and floodplains, organized breeding programs, hatchery development, and the preservation of genetic materials through cryogenic methods.

Ensuring safe fish migration will require the development of fish-friendly infrastructure. In areas where water flow is regulated, it is essential to incorporate fish passages or fish-friendly designs to allow species to move freely between habitats.

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Climate change-induced flooding, ongoing siltation of rivers, and complexities in managing government-owned (“khas”) lands pose long-term threats to maintaining connectivity and ecosystem health.

In this regard, community involvement is crucial. Community-based management of re-excavated canals and wetlands is emerging as an effective model to ensure equitable access to resources and promote sustainable use.

Bangladesh’s water resources and fisheries sector are not merely economic assets—they are deeply intertwined with the country’s identity, food security, and environmental sustainability. The time has come to manage these resources wisely, ensuring that development and conservation move forward hand in hand.

Bijoy Kumar Ghosh, Columnist and researcher.