ASSESSING AND MITIGATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN BANGLADESH’S FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE: A
Bangladesh’s aquaculture industry, a significant contributor to the global aquaculture sector, faces the environmental challenge of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study investigates GHG emissions from three prevalent freshwater aquaculture systems in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, focusing on Indian major carps (IMC), Pangasius catfish (PG), and Tilapia (T). The research aimed to quantify and compare the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O from these systems, providing an in-depth analysis of the environmental impact of freshwater aquaculture in the region. Employing a floating chamber method for gas collection and Gas Chromatography for analysis, the study measured GHG emissions and the sampling period, spanning from February to March of 2023, aligns with the transition from the dry winter season to the pre-monsoon season in Bangladesh. The results revealed that PG systems exhibited significantly higher GHG emissions, primarily due to the extensive use of sinking feeds that lead to increased organic waste and methanogenesis. In contrast, the IMC and T systems, utilizing more efficient floating feeds, showed comparatively lower emissions. These findings are significant in the context of Bangladesh’s growing aquaculture industry and its global environmental footprint. The study highlights the critical role of feed type and management practices in determining GHG emissions from aquaculture ponds. The results suggest that optimizing feed composition and management can substantially reduce the aquaculture sector’s environmental impact. By providing a detailed understanding of the GHG emissions from different aquaculture systems, this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental scientists. It underscores the need for sustainable aquaculture practices and offers a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of fish farming, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and its contribution to global food security.