The ongoing survey on marine resources in the Bay of Bengal is expected to be complete in April.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has been carrying out the survey under the project titled 'Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Capacity Building' since late 2016.
RV Meen Shandhani, a research and survey vessel, is engaged in the survey.
"We hope that the survey will be complete by next month," fisheries and livestock minister Narayon Chandra Chanda told the FE on Monday.
After completing the survey, the researchers will submit their report to the government by June for taking necessary action, he added.
The report will recommend a strategic plan on how to manage the marine resources, their sustainability and uses.
So far, 157 species of fish, 16 species of shrimp, 11 species of crustacean and six species of mollusk have already been identified during the survey, said the minister.
Bangladesh has focused on exploring marine resources after it has gained rights to 118,813 square kilometres of territorial sea and 200 nautical miles of an exclusive economic zone following settlement of disputes over maritime border with Myanmar and India.
To explore marine resources, the government procured RV Meen Sandhani from Malaysia at a cost of Tk 650 million.
Nearly 30 million people in Bangladesh rely on fishing and the activities related with this sector for livelihoods.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com