10th Biennial Fisheries Conference and Research Fair 2025 Kicks Off in Dhaka: Focus on Safe Food and Sustainable Aquaculture

The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Zoarder Faruque Ahmed, President of BFRF and Professor at Bangladesh Agricultural University. Dr. Md. Monirul Islam, General Secretary of BFRF and Professor at the University of Dhaka, delivered the welcome address.

In his welcome address, Dr. Md. Monirul Islam emphasized the critical role of the forum in connecting research with real-world application. He stated: “For over two decades, BFRF has been a pivotal bridge between researchers, the industry, and policymakers. This 10th conference is a milestone in our journey toward a nutrition-sensitive and resilient fisheries sector. Our focus on ‘Next Generation’ fisheries is not just about increasing production, but about ensuring that every fish on the plate is safe, that the growth is inclusive for small-scale fishers, and that our aquatic environments are protected from the growing threats of pollution and climate change. We must leverage technology to ensure equity across the entire value chain”.

The keynote paper, titled after the conference theme, was presented by Dr. Faruk-Ul-Islam, Country Representative of WorldFish Bangladesh. He highlighted that while global aquaculture production has exceeded capture fisheries for the first time, the world is projected to consume nearly twice as much aquatic food by 2050. To meet this demand, he urged for the adoption of “Smart Fisheries” technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain-based traceability, and automated feeding systems to enhance efficiency and food safety.

Conference Overview and Participants: The conference features several technical sessions covering a wide array of topics, including:

• Safe Food and Nutrition: Research comparing nutritional profiles of tilapia across different culture systems, confirming their safety and high mineral content.
• Technological Innovation: Proposals for blockchain models to enhance transparency in the Whiteleg shrimp export industry.
• Sustainable Feed: Utilization of microalgae as cost-effective and eco-friendly feed replacements for shrimp and fish.
• Climate and Environment: Discussions on the impact of microplastics, heavy metals (PAHs), and climate-specific early warning systems for fish farmers.

Distinguished guests at the event included Dr. Dia Sanou, FAO Representative in Bangladesh (ad-interim); Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI); and Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries.

The conference will conclude on December 24, 2025, with a summary of the sessions presented by Dr. Md. Monirul Islam and the distribution of Scientific Awards by the Chief Guest, Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, Executive Chairman of BARC.