Coastal Fish Landing Stations in Bangladesh: Present Status and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Coastal fish landing stations in Bangladesh play a key role in connecting the sea to the market for collecting, storing, processing, and distributing freshly caught fish. The stations also support other industries, such as boat building, ice production, cold storage, sorting, and packaging. Alipur, Mohipur, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar fish landing stations were surveyed in May 2024 to evaluate the current facilities and management practices. From the survey result, it is found that the majority of the coastal landing stations in Bangladesh encounter challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, ineffective management practices, and post-harvest losses. The survey results will allow the stakeholders and policymakers to make decisions about implementing new policies, reducing post-harvest loss, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining a sustainable supply of fish throughout the country. It is recommended to invest in modernizing the fish landing stations with improved cold storage and processing facilities, construction of refrigerated transport vessels, and improvement in management practices. Modernized stations can support sustainable fishing methods and even provide financial support as a means to ensure the long-term sustainability and economic gain of the fishing industries.