Organizations of fisheries governance in Bangladesh: A review of institutional governance

Abstract

The fisheries sector in Bangladesh accounts for 2.08% of GDP, 21.83% of agricultural output, and 4.76 million metric tons of fish annually while providing over 60% of the animal protein intake in the country. This review draws on 14 peer-reviewed articles, government publications, and policy documents to frame the institutional and legal context of the sector. Under- and post-graduate colleges, and international agencies like FAO, World Bank, and USAID also contribute to the legal policy framework on fisheries in Bangladesh. Other relevant institutions include the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute as well as law enforcement bodies the Navy and Coast Guard and local governments and NGOs such as BRAC and WorldFish. Other foundations include the Marine Fisheries Ordinance of 1983, the Inland Fisheries Ordinance of 1982, and the National Fisheries Policy of 1998 and the Fisheries Development Act of 2018, which all include marine and inland resources, but lack manpower, resulting in frequent breaches of seasonal bans and restrictive gear violations. This disconnect between policy and practice underscores a critical reality: legal frameworks alone are insufficient to safeguard fisheries resources. Meaningful progress will require integrated approaches that actively engage communities, align scientific knowledge with policymaking, and translate regulations into effective action.