Import of Fry Suspended in Vannamei Shrimp Farming
The government has suspended the new and existing approvals for importing fry in vannamei shrimp farming in the country. At the initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, a high-level meeting was held on January 7, 2026, to review the environmental, social and economic impact of vannamei shrimp farming in Bangladesh and determines the next steps. The meeting was presided over by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, a ministry press release said.
It was informed in the meeting that vannamei shrimp is an import-dependent species. There is a risk of disease transmission, environmental pollution and adverse effects on local species, including galda and bagda through the import of its fry. In this context, the meeting expressed the opinion that the unchecked expansion of vannamei shrimp farming is not acceptable. The discussion emphasised limiting vannamei shrimp farming to controlled, intensive and environment-friendly methods.
Instructions were given to closely monitor the activities of the existing vannamei farmers and conduct on-site evaluation to determine whether the farming conditions are being properly followed. It was decided to suspend all new and existing approvals for the import of fry in vannamei shrimp farming until the evaluation is completed. The meeting also decided that necessary research would be conducted to assess the environmental, social and economic impact of vannamei shrimp farming and subsequent policy and administrative decisions would be taken based on the findings of the research.
In addition, emphasis was put on increasing the production of local bagda and galda shrimp instead of imported species and taking appropriate projects to expand local shrimp farming. Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammed Zaber, acting Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md. Zia Haider Chowdhury, senior officials of the ministry and fisheries officials of the concerned districts were present in the meeting.
