Govt to beef up maritime monitoring

Bangladesh is taking up the issue of protection of its maritime fisheries and illegal entry of foreign vessels into its territorial waters.
This was decided at an inter-ministerial meeting on Friday chaired by minister for fisheries and livestock Mohammad Sayedul Huq, reports BSS.
A number of decisions were taken at the meeting as to all bottom trawlers, operating in the Bay of Bengal, would be converted into mid-water trawlers by an administrative order.
Henceforth the construction, import and replacement of all wooden trawlers would not be allowed. Simultaneously, steps will be taken to stop trawlers from fishing in waters that are 40 metres deep or less. The Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard have been asked to take necessary steps to ensure the enforcement of the decisions.

Meanwhile, a 13-member committee headed by a joint secretary of the ministry has been formed to monitor the Bay. The committee comprises representatives from the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard of Bangladesh, Police, Customs, Marine Fisheries' Academy and other departments concerned. The committee may co-opt fishery experts, if necessary.