Fisheries in the Context of Attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh: COVID-19 Impacts and Future Prospects

Abstract

Fisheries and the aquaculture sector can play a significant role in the achievement of several of the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda. However, the current COVID-19 situation can negatively impact the fisheries sector, impeding the pace of the achievement of development goals. Therefore, this paper highlighted the performance and challenges of the fisheries sector in Bangladesh, emphasising the impact of COVID-19 and the significance of this sector for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through primary fieldwork and secondary data. The total fish production in the country has increased more than six times over the last three decades (7.54 to 43.84 lakh MT) with improved culture techniques and extension services. Inland closed water contributions have increased to 16%, while inland open water has declined to 10%, and marine fisheries have dropped to 6% over the past 18 financial years (2000–2001 to 2018–2019). COVID-19, a significant health crisis, has also affected various issues associated with aquatic resources and communities. Transportation obstacles and complexity in the food supply, difficulty in starting production, labour crisis, sudden illness, insufficient consumer demand, commodity price hikes, creditor’s pressure, and reduced income were identified as COVID-19 drivers affecting the fisheries sector. The combined effect of these drivers poses a significant threat to a number of the SDGs, such as income (SDG1), nutrition (SDG2), and food security (SDG3 and SDG12), which require immediate and comprehensive action. Several recommendations were discussed, the implementation of which are important to the achievement of the SDGs and the improved management of the aquatic sector (SDG14—life below, and SDG16—life above water).

A Comprehensive Review on Bio-Preservation of Bread: An Approach to Adopt Wholesome Strategies

“…For example, between 1980 and 2008, per capita wheat consumption increased by 44% in Africa due to its convenience and ease of preparation [39]. Annually, almost 9 billion kg of bread items are manufactured [40], with an expected annual per capita intake of 41 to 303 kg [41]. Moreover, Asians are increasing their bread consumption.…”

COVID-19 Effects on Public Finance and SDG Priorities in Developing Countries: Comparative Evidence from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

“…There were also reports that a total of 14 goals is severely hampered by COVID-19 with slightly positive outcomes in Bangladesh. Sunny et al (2021) explained that the fast-growing fisheries industry in Bangladesh is highly impacted by the pandemic. The closure of infrastructure services, labor calamity, high inflation, sudden health issues and decreased income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the progress of SDGs in Bangladesh (Sunny et al 2021).…”

“…Sunny et al (2021) explained that the fast-growing fisheries industry in Bangladesh is highly impacted by the pandemic. The closure of infrastructure services, labor calamity, high inflation, sudden health issues and decreased income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the progress of SDGs in Bangladesh (Sunny et al 2021). They pointed out that the SDGs like SDG 1: eliminate poverty, SDG 2: erase hungry, SDG 3: good health and well-being and SDG 12: responsible consumption and productions will be challenging to attain due to the significant reduction in people's income, nutrition, and food security.…”

Sense and Manner of WASH and Their Coalition With Disease and Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Children living in poor sanitary conditions are more exposed to large amounts of pathogens, especially between 6 months and 2 years when they begin to crawl on the floor and throw objects into their mouths. Researchers further suggested that environmental entropy could be a significant factor in poor growth and could compromise the effectiveness of nutritional interventions ( 13 , 14 ). The relationship between diarrhea and malnutrition is complex, although it is well-known that malnourished children suffer frequent episodes of diarrhea, while a child's nutritional status is also affected after the diarrhea episode.…”