Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed the urgent need to protect all varieties of fish — especially native species that are on the brink of extinction — in order to meet the country’s protein demands. She emphasized the importance of increasing the production of fish through sustainable and scientific farming practices. “Many are engaging in commercial fish farming without proper planning,” she warned, urging fisheries officials to continue their efforts in educating and training farmers. She highlighted the superior taste and nutritional value of native fish, noting that no other country boasts such rich biodiversity in its aquatic life. Expressing concern over the sharp decline in native fish populations, she called for all development projects in this sector to meet international standards — assuring that the government is ready to provide full support.