EcoFish project needs more research

 The EcoFish project, taken up by the Department of Fisheries, is a futuristic and a positive one. However, there is always a fear of good initiatives not being implemented properly. Many advanced and costly projects of the government often end up as sheer waste of funds simply due to lack of proper implementation. It must be ensured that the EcoFish project does not face such a predicament.
The project was taken up in order to protect hilsa reproduction and preserve the biodiversity in the rivers of eight coastal districts of the country. Under this project, research on the reproduction of the hilsa will be carried out for the first time. Employment opportunities will also be created for the fishermen during the annual ban on catching Jatka (small hilsa).
The project expenditure has been fixed at Tk.900 million, to be provided by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It must be ensured that the funds are not misused or misappropriated. There is a ban on catching jatka every year from 1 November 01 until June 30. Eight months a long time and there has been no research as to whether this is detrimental or not. It should be seen whether this time could be shortened.
It is important to determine how the poor fishermen will earn a living during this long spell. Poverty drives the fishermen to catch jatka despite the ban. They must be offered an alternative source of income, not just 30 kg of rice (per fisherman's family) for four months. Other means of improving the fishermen's economic conditions must be determined.
Nabil Azam Dewan
Lalmatia, Dhaka
nabil.dewan@gmail.com