Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said that this strategic plan related to sharks and rays has been prepared through discussions with various agencies, departments, ministries, traders, communities and foreign consultants

National strategy will play important role in conserving sharks and rays: Environment minister

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said the government-approved “National Conservation Strategy and Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays in Bangladesh 2023-2033” will reduce over fishing and unwanted fishing of sharks and rays.

“The conservation of sharks and rays will be ensured by implementing action plans through better management, regular monitoring, law enforcement and stakeholders’ involvement,” the minister said during a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for approval of “Non Detriment Findings” of groups of 2 shark species and 2 ray species and “National Conservation Strategy and Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays in Bangladesh 2023-2033” prepared under Sufal project, said a press release.

The minister also said that “Non-Detriment Findings” will play an important role to prevent the decline of the number of groups of endangered 2 shark and 2 ray species.

“Sharks and rays are important to the health of our coastal and marine ecosystems. However, overfishing and illegal international trade of their body parts are threatening their existence. Sharks and rays fish species that are at high risk of extinction are strictly protected by our national laws. All law enforcement agencies must effectively enforce laws to protect these species. The support of Customs, Police, Border Guard, Navy, Coast Guard and Maritime Police is crucial to prevent the extinction of these species and stop the illegal wildlife trade,” he added.

Md Shahab Uddin said that this strategic plan related to sharks and rays has been prepared through discussions with various agencies, departments, ministries, traders, communities and foreign consultants.

“The National Conservation Strategy and Plan of Action prepared for sharks and rays in Bangladesh is not only a strategic guideline for actions taken on a priority basis for their conservation. Rather, exemplary guidelines for improving their condition. We must act collectively now to ensure the protection of Sharks and Rays,” he added.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Development) Mizanul Hoque Chowdhury, Additional Secretary (Climate Change) Md Moniruzzaman; Additional Secretary (EPC) Md Mizanur Rahman, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury; Project Director of Sustainable Forestry and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project Gobinda Roy; Senior Manager of Wildlife Conservation Society Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, Programme Advisor and various officials of the ministry were present in the meeting.