NCSU AquaFish Research Location Final Extended Version

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Bangladesh
Host Country Research Location Considerations
Bangladesh Agricultural University
A. Site Selection Criteria
Bangladesh is a South Asian country lying in the Ganges Delta plain formed by the confluence of the
Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna) and Meghna rivers and their tributaries draining into the Bay of
Bengal to the south. These highly fertile lands were developed through deposition of alluvial soils from
the Himalayas. Much of the country is < 10 meters above sea level, with much of the coastal region near
sea level. With low elevation and numerous river systems, water is a predominant feature of Bangladesh.
About 10,000 square kilometers (1M hectares) of the total area is covered with water, and large areas are
routinely flooded during the monsoon season. Hence, Bangladesh is endowed with a vast abundance of
coastal and inland water resources making it one of the most highly suited countries for coastal and inland
aquatic agricultural development. Fisheries and aquaculture has been a mainstay for the livelihood of
rural communities and most of the dietary animal protein (65%) consumed by its citizens comes from
seafood. Further development of this agricultural sector through the AquaFish Innovation Lab will be
critical for meeting the nutritional protein demands for Bangladeshis, as well as improving food security
and welfare, while maintaining their strong heritage in fisheries and farming aquatic foods.
Bangladesh is also considered the world's most vulnerable nation to the effects of global climate change
(Global Climate Risk Index, 2011). Natural calamities, such as floods, tropical cyclones, and tidal bores;
more extreme seasonal temperatures and rainfall (droughts and floods); and rises in sea level make food
security even more tenuous in a country with increasing population density and widespread poverty.
Hence, Bangladesh is at the center of national and international efforts to build resiliency to climate
change impacts. Components of the proposed research are geared toward enhancing adaptive measures to
mitigate the impacts of climate change by promoting the culture of species tolerant of harsh
environmental conditions and seawater incursion, which we will integrate with global food security
efforts.
The proposed research application addresses technologies for enhancing the production of carps, tilapia,
Pangasius catfish, marine shrimp, freshwater prawns, mud crab; and three nutrient-dense fish that include
Mola and two air-breathers, Shing and Koi. All are indigenous to Bangladesh, except for tilapia and
Pangasius, which have been cultured in Bangladesh for over 20 years and are currently 2nd and 3rd to
carps in total finfish production. All are important cultivars produced under various management practices
in freshwater or brackish water. All species are domesticated, hatchery-produced, and available for
research. Mola is a self-recruiting species that breeds naturally in ponds and dykes. Mud crab farmers
collect crablets from the wild or juveniles from shrimp ponds. Studies on this species are focused on the
training of mudcrab culturists for improving production technologies and in understanding how women
may gain better value in mud crab fattening activities. All species represent important sources of protein,
and some are particularly high in micronutrients (vitamin A, iron), which can help with meeting
nutritional deficiencies of rural Bangladeshis. The shellfishes under study are important export market
commodities of Bangladesh and hence are primarily grown as a cash crop.
Bangladesh is strategically located, as it bridges countries of Southeast and South Asia. Since the finfish
and/or shellfish varieties of Bangladesh overlap considerably with other regional countries, such as Nepal,
Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, any successful research outcomes and technology developed
from the proposed work could be applied to these countries. Additionally, the proposed AquaFish
Innovation Lab research and extension, along with the strong presence of WorldFish (South Asia) and the
UN-FAO in Bangladesh; combined with Feed the Future activities of the USAID Dhaka mission, should

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
form a strong nucleus for developing and disseminating more efficient and sustainable aquaculture for
better food security to be shared with other regional countries.
As part of its Country Investment Plan (CIP, 2011) to achieve the Millenium Development Goal of
reducing poverty by half, the government of Bangladesh has made investment in fisheries and aquaculture
development a high priority towards improving its agriculture, food security and nutrition. The
government has established the Bureau of Fisheries as well as Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council
to coordinate and promote demand-driven research technologies including the Bangladesh Fisheries
Research Institutes. Prior to this, the government established the Bangladesh Agricultural University
(BAU), the premier institute of higher education, research, and extension that serves a similar role as
Land-Grant Research Universities in the United States. The government heavily supports the university
and its mission, which has six branches (colleges) and 43 departments covering all aspects of agricultural
education and research. The university’s function is to increase the quality and standard of higher
agricultural education and to produce the next generation of agriculturists, scientists and researchers
needed for developing agriculture in Bangladesh. The university confers MS and PhD degrees for many
agriculture disciplines, including fisheries and aquaculture.
All AquaFish Innovation Lab research will be carried out either on-station at the BAUs Fisheries Field
Laboratory, or in rural areas in Mymensingh, greater Khulna, and the greater Barishal region, through the
leadership of the Host Country Lead Investigator, Professor Md. Abdul Wahab, in consultation with
AquaFish colleagues and collaborators. There are 100 research ponds in the Fisheries Field Laboratory of
BAU, for which 27 ponds will be dedicated to the activities of this proposed research. Bangladesh
Agricultural University also has a Water Quality and Pond Dynamics Laboratory, Nutrition Laboratory,
Pathology/Microbiology Laboratory, and other facilities for undertaking research of international quality.
Prof. Rahaman and students of Khulna University in Southwest Bangladesh will help conduct water
quality analyses and field trials in the Khulna region. The alluvial soils of Mymensingh, Khulna and
Barishal are comprised of sand and silt/clay, which has adequate compactness for holding water. Most
rural households have one pond, derived largely from soil used to raise homes for flood protection. Other
ponds for shrimp/prawn culture are made from embanked rice fields (ghers) in fallow rotation. The
investigators will work with rural, small and medium-scale cooperating farmers to undertake the proposed
on-farm trials in Mymensingh and in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions, as well as with local
fisheries extension officers (364 in Bangladesh) for dissemination of research findings and results.
B. Specific Criteria
1. Existing physical infrastructure – including ponds (or land with suitable soils for ponds), laboratory
facilities, communications, housing, transportation, roads, and access.
All AquaFish Innovation Lab research will be carried out either on-station at the BAUs Fisheries
Field Laboratory, or in rural areas in Mymensingh, greater Khulna, and the greater Barishal region,
through the leadership of the Host Country Lead Investigator, Professor Md. Abdul Wahab, in
consultation with AquaFish colleagues and collaborators. There are 100 research ponds in the Fisheries
Field Laboratory of BAU, for which 27 ponds will be dedicated to the activities of this proposed research.
Bangladesh Agricultural University also has a Water Quality and Pond Dynamics Laboratory, Nutrition
Laboratory, Pathology/Microbiology Laboratory, and other facilities for undertaking research of
international quality. Prof. Rahaman and students of Khulna University in Southwest Bangladesh will
help conduct water quality analyses and field trials in the Khulna region. The alluvial soils of
Mymensingh, Khulna and Barishal are comprised of sand and silt/clay, which has adequate compactness
for holding water. Roads and transportation via car, bus, or air are adequate for access to research sites.
The BAU is well equipped with modern communication tools including internet access, library resources,
computing and workshop facilities, extension services and subsidized housing dedicated for visiting

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
international researchers and their students.
2. Institutional collaboration – the existence of a Host Country university or agency willing to serve as
Host country collaborator and to provide the necessary personnel (Host Country PI). In addition, the
specific site operators must be willing to collaborate and have a mechanism for collaboration.
The former Aquaculture/AquaFish CRSPs have worked extensively with BAU and the host
country principal investigator, Professor Wahab, on aquaculture issues important to Bangladesh. The
locations, project activities, and personnel at BAU are ideal for renewed collaborations, to the benefit of
both BAU and the AquaFish Innovation Lab. The BAU will continue to provide in-kind support through
daily support services, usage of pond and lab facilities, water and electricity and contributions of
personnel.
3. USAID Mission support–the USAID Mission or local office goals and objectives must be compatible
with AquaFish operations and objectives.
The BAU also has a good relationship with the USAID Mission in Dhaka, and the AquaFish
Innovative Lab host country principal investigator (Dr. Wahab) maintains contact with Mr. Aniruddhya
Roy and Dr. Osagie Aimiuwu at the Dhaka mission. Earlier this year, US Ambassador Mr. Dan Mojina
visited BAU and the AquaFish research sites. The U.S. and Host Country PIs will routinely visit the
mission to discuss research priorities and activities that benefit Feed-the-Future goals and objectives. The
proposed activities of the AquaFish Innovation Lab align well with the Feed the Future mandates,
including building greater research capacity, increasing farm production, and greater crop diversification.
Promotion of sustainable aquaculture in regions traditionally reliant upon rice farming will increase both
the incomes of rural farmers as well the availability of nutritious foods for household consumption. These
studies will specifically target women and young children, promoting better dietary nutrition in these
groups through development of homestead fish gardens, and better economic returns from crab fattening
sales in women-led households.
4. Country political stability
Bangladesh is a democratically elected parliamentary government with full diplomatic
relationships with most countries. It has a wide presence of national and international groups that
maintain a strong civil society. Both men and women can work with equal opportunity.
5. Safety, health considerations–adequate working conditions for the HC and US participants area
consideration.
Research sites are safe and represent congenial working places for faculty, staff and students.
Visitors are highly welcome by the Bangladeshi people.
6. Species available for research –Each potential research species should be permitted for use.
All finfish and shellfish species and vegetables to be studied under the different research projects
are adequately available and widely grown in Bangladesh. Except for crab, which is collected from
shrimp ponds or wild, all fish and shellfish are hatchery-produced. Work on mudcrab will focus on the
value chain and in training farmers on better production practices. Mola is a self-recruiting species
widely available in ponds and dykes throughout Bangladesh.
7. Economic considerations–operational costs, travel, and other costs should be considered.
The host country institute (BAU) and collaborating institutions will provide a significant cost
match of around 25% to help support the project. This includes staff, facilities, water, electrical, and daily
support services. Research costs, travel, and partial support for staff and student salaries will be
supported by AquaFish Innovation Lab funds, which are reasonable and actually quite economical
considering the scope of activities to be undertaken.

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
8. Rural aquaculture development–evaluate presence of rural fish farms and Host Country extension
apparatus and operations.
Bangladesh possesses one of the largest delta in the world formed from the drainage of the
Ganges, Brahmputra and Meghna rivers. Much of the country is < 10 meters above or close to sea level.
Ample sources of freshwater and coastal plain brackish waters provide an ideal environment for
aquaculture, particularly in light of seafood being a primary source of protein for Bangladeshi’s. Most of
the country is rural with virtually all village households possessing at least one pond derived largely from
the excavation of soils used to increase floor height of homes for flood prevention. Shrimp/prawn culture
is also done in embanked rice fields in rotation with rice crops. Collectively, there is ample opportunity
for enhancing rural aquaculture development in Bangladesh, including the testing of promising
technologies on the farms of rural households. Bangladesh has approximately 364 local fisheries
extension officers, one representative for each subdistrict, which allows for wide dissemination of best
management practices developed under activities of the AquaFish Innovation Lab.
9. Language–official and rural languages.
The official language spoken by virtually all individuals in Bangladesh is Bengali. English is the
dominant second language in the country and most educated individuals are quite proficient in English.
Even many rural people can communicate in a little English.
10. National strategies for aquaculture development–Host Country policies and strategies may affect
research conduct and extension of results.
Bangladesh produces 3.2 million metric tons of fish of which 40 % comes from aquaculture.
Since the inland open water and marine catch have plateaued, the only option is to increase domestic
finfish and shellfish production. Therefore, the government policy is to increase production to 4.0 million
metric tons of which 60 percent should come from aquaculture. Accordingly, as part of its Country
Investment Plan (CIP, 2011), the government of Bangladesh has made sustainable aquaculture
development a high priority towards improving its agriculture, food security, nutrition and economic
livelihoods for its citizens. Priorities are to increase seafood production sustainably through improved
technologies and resource management; enhance culture of nutrient-dense fishes; promote production of
shellfish (prawns, shrimp, crab) and diversity of seafoods within the Southern region; and improve both
agricultural markets and economic value chains.
11. USAID eligibility status–Host Country should have USAID program eligibility without a planned
termination in the near future.
Bangladesh is a priority Feed-the-Future country for which the USAID has made substantial
investment toward improving food security and human nutrition. It is anticipated this will continue well
into the foreseeable future.
12. Possibilities for leveraging funds and attracting buy-ins.
Considerable funds will be leveraged in this project including international aid to the host country
institute from the EU and DFID, shared collaborative research and extension activities with WorldFish
FtF and Sushilon NGO, as well as from the partner universities (North Carolina State University,
Bangladesh Agricultural University and Khulna University) themselves. We anticipate potential buy-ins
from other NGOs and international organizations as well as private companies (aquafeed companies) as
the AquaFish Innovation Lab project progresses.
13. Environmental/ecological significance–site represents an important environment and is useful
within the Aqua Fish global perspective.
Bangladesh is endowed with a vast abundance of coastal and inland water resources as well as

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
one of the largest deltas in the world making it one of the most highly suited countries for coastal and
inland aquaculture and fisheries development. Bangladesh is also considered the world's most vulnerable
nation to the effects of global climate change (Global Climate Risk Index, 2011). Hence, Bangladesh is at
the center of national and international efforts to build resiliency to climate change impacts. Components
of the proposed research are geared toward enhancing adaptive measures to mitigate the impacts of
climate change by promoting the culture of species tolerant of harsh environmental conditions and
seawater incursion, which we will integrate with global food security efforts. Bangladesh also bridges
countries of Southeast and South Asia and its finfish and/or shellfish varieties overlap considerably with
other regional countries, such as Nepal, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Thus any successful
research outcomes and technology developed from the proposed work could be applied to these countries
as well.
14. Shipping/customs/clearance obstacles–evaluate potential constraints for shipping project supplies, or
soil samples.
Bangladesh has very good export and import procedures that allow for shipment of supplies,
equipment, books, printed materials as well as soil/water/and fish samples between Bangladesh and US
laboratories using FedEX/DHL or other courier services.
15. Potential for establishing a stable, long-term presence–prefer situations where AquaFish can enter as
a significant part of a site operation rather than a peripheral position with low priority to site operators.
The former Aquaculture/AquaFish CRSPs has worked with BAU on aquaculture issues important
to Bangladesh and the strong partnership in addressing constraints to the development of aquaculture and
fisheries will continue with an even more substantial investment. The locations, project activities, and
personnel at BAU are ideal for renewed collaborations, to the benefit of both BAU and the AquaFish
Innovation Lab.
16. Potential for improving food security and the environment in targeted areas.
The proposed research and extension activities address various opportunities as well as
constraints to the further development of the aquaculture and fisheries sector in Bangladesh. The research
aims to develop integrated polyculture systems that have the potential to increase production of nutrientdense
foods that can improve the health of vulnerable populations, while also enhancing the incomes of
the rural poor. A critical element is to provide these benefits while reducing the environmental impact of
aquaculture activities.

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Full Site Description
North Carolina State University
Enhancing Aquaculture Production Efficiency, Sustainability and Adaptive Measures to Climate
Change Impacts in Bangladesh
BANGLADESH
Introduction
Bangladesh is a politically stable South Asian country lying in the Ganges Delta plain formed by
the confluence of the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna) and Meghna rivers and their
tributaries draining into the Bay of Bengal to the south. These highly fertile lands were
developed through deposition of alluvial soils from the Himalayas. Much of the country is < 10
meters above sea level, with the coastal regions near sea level. With low elevation and numerous
river systems, water is a predominant feature of Bangladesh. About 10,000 square kilometers (1
million hectares) of the total area is covered with water, and large areas are routinely flooded
during the monsoon season. Hence, Bangladesh is endowed with a vast abundance of coastal and
inland water resources making it one of the most highly suited countries for coastal and inland
aquatic agricultural development. Fisheries and aquaculture has been a mainstay for the
livelihood of rural communities and most of the dietary animal protein (65%) consumed by its
citizens comes from seafood. Accordingly, the Government of Bangladesh and USAID Feed-the-
Future has made investment in aquaculture development a high priority towards improving food
security and nutrition for its people. Carps, tilapia, Pangasius catfish, marine shrimp, freshwater
prawns, mud crab; and nutrient-dense fishes such as Mola and air-breathing catfishes, Shing and
Koi are the primary seafoods grown in Bangladesh. All are indigenous or have been cultivated
in country for over two decades. Several contain high levels of micronutrients that can help
overcome mineral and vitamin deficiencies, particularly for women and children. Outside of
nutritional benefits these seafoods are also major sources of incomes for the rural poor.
Therefore, there is a need to enhance production of popular cultivars through sustainable
methods that limit impact to the environment. Bangladesh is also considered the world's most
vulnerable nation to the effects of global climate change (Global Climate Risk Index, 2011).
Development of adaptive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change through promotion
of species tolerant of harsh environmental conditions or that can withstand elevated hyposaline
environments arising from increased sea levels is also needed.
The primary host country site for the AquaFish CRSP will be at Bangladesh Agricultural
University. The government established BAU in 1961 as the premier agricultural institute of
higher education, research, and extension that serves a similar role as Land-Grant Research
Universities in the US. The government heavily supports the university and its mission, which
has six branches (colleges) and 43 departments covering all aspects of agricultural education and
research. The university’s function is to increase the quality and standard of higher agricultural
education and to produce the next generation of agriculturists, scientists and researchers needed
for developing agriculture in Bangladesh. The university confers MS and PhD degrees for many
agriculture disciplines, including fisheries and aquaculture. Communication, transportation, and
facilities for research and extension activities are very good. Transportation to regions for on
trials with cooperating farms is also adequate. Working conditions are good for AquaFish

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Innovation Lab participants and subsidized housing is available for visitors. There are no major
health issue concerns. Outside of on-station research at BAU, there are a various types of
aquaculture systems, which will be used for the purposes of field trials in the rural regions of
Mymensingh in North Central Bangladesh, and in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions of
Southern Bangladesh. Khulna University is equipped with a water quality lab and staff will help
BAU participants in undertaking water analyses and on-farm trials in South and Southwest
Bangladesh.
Map of Bangladesh showing BAU research site in red and the greater Khulna (including Khulna
University) and Barisal region for on-farm/field trials in blue.

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Site Status
Active
BANGLADESH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY (BAU)
General Location
The campus is located near Mymensingh city, which is in the North Central region of the
country, about 120 km (75 mi) north of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Description of Area/Region
Overall Description
The campus is located on the western bank of the old Brahmaputra River, 5 km south from
Mymensingh Railway Station in the city of Mymensingh.
Climate
Mymensingh and the rest of Bangladesh are considered tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) under the
Koppen climate index. It is generally cooler than Dhaka due to closer proximity to the Himalayas. The
cooler dry season ranges from November to February and monsoon starts in May or June and continues
till August. It rains heavily and sometimes for days and weeks.
Temperature
Average temperature ranges from >18°C in January and increases to around 28°C from April to October
where and then steadily declines to an average temperature of 20°C in December. Temperatures can
range from steadily
Precipitation
Because of its location in the tropical monsoon region, the amount of rainfall is very high in Bangladesh.
The winter season is very dry, and accounts for only 2%-4% of the total annual rainfall. Rainfall during
the rainy season is caused by the tropical depressions that enter the country from the Bay of Bengal.
These account for 70% of the annual total in the eastern part, 80% in the southwest, and slightly over 85%
in the northwestern part of Bangladesh. The amount of rainfall in this season varies from 1000 mm in the
west central part to over 2000 mm in the south and northeast. Average rainy days during the season vary
from 60 in the west-central part to 95 days in the southeastern and over 100 days in the northeastern part.
Overall average rainfall is 11 mm in January during the dry season and peaks to almost 500 mm in July
during the monsoon.
Humidity
March and April are the least humid months at around 65% over most of the central and western part of
the country. In the eastern areas lowest humidity is found from January to March. The relative humidity
peaks to around 80-85% from June to September. The average relative humidity for the whole year ranges
from 70 to 78% depending on location.
Seasonality
Mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy
monsoon (June to October)
Topography
Mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Geology/Soils
Mostly alluvial and some deltaic toward the south, sandy to silt/clay.
Layout (top) and picture (bottom left) of BAU on-station AquaFish Innovation Lab
experimental ponds and the BAU Water Quality Lab (bottom right)

R. Borski, Innovation Lab
Map Coordinates
24.72514 Latitude
90.43556 Longitude
Description of Bangladesh Agricultural University
Elevation
205m
General
The main task of BAU is to increase the quality and standard of higher agricultural education
needed to produce the next generation of agricultural teachers, scientists, extension agents, and
entrepreneurs. It is a residential university mandated for offering for higher education and
research in agriculture and all of its branches including conduct of examinations, conferment of
degrees and granting affiliation. The partnership between AquaFish Innovation Lab and BAU is
ideal for building capacity in the aquaculture and fisheries sector and for development of
sustainable aquaculture practices that can enhance the food security and welfare of the people of
Bangladesh. The university has the needed infrastructure, experience and expertise to carryout
productive research. There are 100 research ponds in the Fisheries Field Laboratory of BAU, for
which 27 ponds will be dedicated to AquaFish Innovation Lab activities. Bangladesh
Agricultural University also has a Water Quality and Pond Dynamics Laboratory, Nutrition
Laboratory, Pathology/Microbiology Laboratory, and other facilities for undertaking research of
international quality.
Affiliations
Host Country:
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Department of Fisheries and Management
Mymensingh 2202 Bangladesh
U.S.:
North Carolina State University
Department of Biology
Box 7617
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7617
USA
Current Contacts
Host Country:
Md. Abdul Wahab
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Department of Fisheries and Management
Mymensingh 2202 Bangladesh
Email: wahabma_bau2@yahoo.com
U.S.
Russell Borski
North Carolina State University

Department of Biology
Box 7617
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7617
USA
Tel: 1-919-515-8105
Fax: 1-919-515-5327
Email: russell_borski@ncsu.edu
R. Borski, Innovation Lab