This project aims to create a network of a wide range of organisations and institutes involved with brackish water/marine crustacean and finfish aquaculture in Bangladesh. It will also conduct comprehensive desk reviews to gather and synthesize existing literature and data related to brackish water and marine aquaculture in Bangladesh and identify gaps and actions needed.  A further outcomes will be the dissemination of knowledge, training, advice and guidance to aquaculture farmers, including women and youth, and communities in Bangladesh. 

Partnership working is central to this work with a key focus being to embed resilience into the Bangladesh Aquaculture Network so that it enables sustainable and transformative change beyond the current OCPP funding period.  This would be the legacy of the OCPP funding. 

The project is focused around three ‘requirements’: brackish water/marine crustacean aquaculture, brackish water/marine finfish aquaculture, and value chains. Baseline assessment of each of these will provide a thorough understanding of the current state of play across production, environmental impact, the regulatory and policy environment, climate change vulnerability, market access and value addition, economic resilience and social impact. The assessments will highlight areas requiring improvement or development including policy reform, regulatory frameworks, production processes, technological or infrastructure investments and capacity building. Prioritisation of these gaps and needs will inform activities for the Network in Phase 2 of the project. These assessments are under way and a project plan is in development which will address issues identified through the assessment including priority areas, actions and activities for capacity building, education and knowledge exchange.

Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are essential components for the sustainable and equitable development of the aquaculture sector. Ensuring that all people, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or social background, have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from aquaculture activities can contribute to improved livelihoods, economic resilience, and overall community well-being. A baseline assessment of GESI will focus on understanding the current participation of diverse social groups in aquaculture, identifying barriers to their involvement, and recommending strategies to promote equity and inclusion.

 A final report will be produced in February 2026 which will include details of the outcomes and impacts.

Workshop in Dhaka February 2025