The economic contribution of fish and fish trade in Bangladesh

Abstract Bangladesh possesses a large wetland area comprising diversified fisheries resources. Fish and fisheries are an integral part of Bangladesh and have earned its importance due to immense export and revenue potential. The objective of this study was to investigate the trend of fish production, export and import of Bangladesh during the last two decades. Several reviews of the literature were done, numerical data was obtained from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), Department of Fisheries (DOF), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The results showed that fish production has increased in Bangladesh during the last two decades, starting from 17.81 lakh metric tons in 2000–01 and reaching up to 41.34 lakh metric tons in 2016–17. Due to the gradual decline in capture fishery, a significant percentage of total production comes from aquaculture. Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha) is the largest single-species fishery in Bangladesh which makes the highest contribution to the country's total fish production. Exports of the fish commodity in terms of quantity and value has declined in recent years due to food quality and safety standards. This study has highlighted the contribution of fisheries production in Bangladesh and trade to the country's economy. By paying more attention to the fisheries sector, Bangladesh can boost up its economy.