Dhaka, May 13 -- A government-backed project is supporting thousands of low-income fishing families in Bangladesh by providing alternative income sources alongside measures to protect native fish species.

The "Conservation and Development of Indigenous Fish Species and Snail Project", launched in July 2021 with a budget of Tk 1.95 billion, has reached 52 sub-districts across the Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions.

The programme introduced cage fish farming, paddy field aquaculture and adaptive technologies in 10 districts while encouraging fishers to stay away from catching fish during breeding seasons through alternative livelihood support.

Project Director Md Khaliduzzaman said the initiative had already surpassed its target of ra...