Overview of the Bangladesh Fisheries Sector
Bangladesh ranks among the world's top five fisheries producers (based on domestic fish supply), and total fish production reached about 4.5 million tons in 2020. The fisheries sector accounts for 3.5% of GDP, 25% of agricultural GDP, and directly or indirectly employs about 18 million people. Fish provides around 60% of national animal-protein consumption. Fisheries exports are led by frozen shrimp, while fish exports such as hilsa and pangasius continue to expand.
Production Breakdown of Fisheries
| Category | Output | Share | Growth | Main Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inland aquaculture | 2.6M tons | 58% | +8% | Pangasius·Tilapia·Rui |
| Inland capture | 1.1M tons | 24% | -2% | Hilsa·Catfish·Carp |
| Marine capture | 650K tons | 14% | +3% | Hilsa·Pomfret·Ribbon fish |
| Marine aquaculture | 150K tons | 4% | +15% | Shrimp·Crabs·Seaweed |
Inland aquaculture now represents 58% of total production and continues to grow steadily. Pangasius is the largest aquaculture species, with low consumer prices that support protein intake among lower-income households. Hilsa, often described as Bangladesh's 'national fish,' already accounts for 60% of global hilsa output.
Hilsa vs. Shrimp Farming Comparison
Production Trend
Bangladesh fisheries reached around 4.5 million tons in 2020 and now sits among the world's top five producers. Hilsa, which represents roughly 60% of global output, and farmed pangasius remain the core production engines. Korean companies can explore collaboration in fish import (pangasius fillets and frozen shrimp), aquaculture feed and equipment exports, and RAS/IoT-driven aquaculture technology.