Bangladesh’s Dying Shrimp Industry Crying for Policy Action

Abstract

The shrimp industry shares a significant export portfolio in Bangladesh, contributing substantially to the country's economy. However, despite its bright potential, this export-oriented industry is crying for policy attention for sustainability and competitiveness. The objective of this article is to provide a quick summary message of the shrimp industry in Bangladesh based on available sources. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has reported a significant decline (50%) in shrimp exports over the past decade, resulting in an associated drop of approximately 40% in export revenues. The loss of competitiveness in the global shrimp market can be explained by several factors, including higher cultivation expenses, lower yield, declining demand, and a failure to introduce exotic, high-yielding species. This article strongly recommends introducing Vannamei shrimp commercially to revitalize the dying shrimp industry in Bangladesh.