Declining fish stock in the Bay of Bengal is quite alarming

It is alarming to see the persistent decline in fish stocks in the Bay of Bengal, as well as its effects on the lives of coastal fishing communities. According to an analysis citing the findings of a comprehensive fisheries survey published recently, the stock of small pelagic species—the mainstay of coastal fisheries—has fallen by 78.6 percent in just seven years, from 158,100 tonnes in 2018 to 33,811 tonnes in 2025. The rate at which this is happening is astonishing. Clearly, the crisis goes beyond any temporary or cyclical downturn, with experts pointing to a multidimensional failure rooted in years of overfishing, climate change, pollution, and weak marine governance that has allowed depletion to proceed largely unchecked. 

A fall of this magnitude will have serious implications for Bangladesh’s food security. Presently, the Bay of Bengal accounts for about 12-15 percent of the country’s total fish production, according to a Department of Fisheries report dated June 26, 2025. Fish provide nearly 60 percent of national animal protein intake, while also playing a significant role in blue economy exports. Therefore, if the current trend holds, it is not just the fishing communities that will suffer; the consumers, exporters, and the broader economy will also be affected. While talking to this daily, members of fishing communities spoke of facing debt burdens as catches become unreliable, even during peak seasons, and operating costs rise. Higher market prices do help offset losses to some extent, but not enough to make up for the depleting source of revenue.

The question is, what’s causing the crisis? Experts say that no single factor is to blame. Excessive fishing over years has been a major factor, of course, but other reasons including climate change, warming temperature, and the decline in oxygen levels in coastal waters have also disrupted the marine ecosystem in ways that are favouring opportunistic species such as jellyfish, which prey on fish eggs and fry. The decline of natural predators like sea turtles has also upset the predator-prey balance that once kept jellyfish in check. Another factor causing the decline in commercially valuable fish is continued pollution of water. 

Considering the gravity and complex nature of this problem, it is vital that the authorities adopt a comprehensive response. They must ensure stricter regulation of fishing activities, protection of critical breeding habitats, and serious action to curb water pollution. Investment in scientific monitoring and enforcement mechanisms is also essential. Equally important is providing support to fishing communities so that any fish conservation effort does not come at the cost of their survival.