Bangladesh’s geographical location, environment, and abundant water resources position the country as a major producer and exporter of shrimp/prawn. Frozen shrimp and prawn constitute Bangladesh’s second-largest export category, following garments. However, recent years have witnessed a decline in production and export figures. This review aims to identify the key challenges impacting climate resilience and quality within the Bangladeshi shrimp/prawn industry in order to achieve sustainable growth. Data were gathered and categorized from primary sources (fish farmer’s opinions, focus group discussions [FGDs], and key informant interviews [KIIs]) and secondary sources.
The study investigates the recent causes behind the declining trends in shrimp production and exports and discusses how to reverse this trend and reestablish growth . Climate change and quality issues are identified as the primary factors. It is seen from the figure that c limate-related challenges include greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, rising temperatures, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, fluctuations in rainfall patterns (floods, droughts), cyclones, and increased disease susceptibility. Quality challenges encompass a lack of food safety certification and traceability systems, chemical contaminants, antibiotic residues, biological/ microbial contamination, physical contaminants, inadequate personal hygiene and sanitation practices, environmental pollutants (including heavy metals), water soaking, jelly and dye injection practices, and notifications from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.
Building resilience within the shrimp/prawn industry requires a multi-pronged approach. Mitigation strategies for climate change involve reducing GHG emissions through diversified farming practices (e.g., integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and introduction of Vennemei shrimp), improved farming infrastructure, implementation of new technologies, establishment of warning systems, and the use of probiotics and phages. Quality improvements can be achieved through international food safety certifications (HACCP), establishing traceability systems, implementing food safety regulations and training programs, raising food safety awareness, capacity building in quality assessment facilities, and continuous research and development efforts. These combined measures along with addressing the socioeconomic issues have the potential to expand Bangladesh’s shrimp export earnings and promote sustainable farming practices.
Effective policy interventions are crucial for re establishing sustainable growth with a climate-resilient, and high-quality export-oriented shrimp industry in Bangladesh and by that improve the socio-economic con tribution of the shrimp sector to the national economy.