Since the inception of the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) the DoF has had continuing as a front line public sector organization for fisheries development. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971 the Central Fisheries Department of the then Pakistan was merged with the DoF of Bangladesh in April 1975. Later on in 1984 Central Marine Fisheries Dept. was merged with the DoF as a Marine Fisheries wing. Organization in brief DoF is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. It is headed by a Director General, who is assisted by four Directors (one reserve) and 2 Principal Scientific Officer (equivalent to Director). There are 1553 technical officers of different stairs and supporting staffs in the DoF. They render their services to achieve the mission and vision of then DoF. There are administrative set-ups at division, district and Upazila (sub-district) levels headed by Deputy Director, District Fisheries Officer and Senior/Upazila Fisheries Officer respectively. Besides these, there are three fish inspection and quality control stations under DoF. Furthermore DoF also comprises of Marine Fisheries Station, Fisheries Training Academy, Fisheries Training and Extension Centers, and Fish Hatcheries. Mandate To disseminate improved aquaculture technologies through training and demonstration and to extend extension advisory services to the focal stakeholders. To enhance fisheries resources through enacting conservation and management measures. To assist the administrative ministry to formulate policies, acts etc. To enforce quality control measures and issuance of health certificates for exportable fish and fish products. To conduct fisheries resources survey and assessment of stock to develop fisheries database for proper planning. To facilitate arrangement for institutional credit for fish and shrimp farmers, fishers and fish traders and entrepreneurs. To facilitate alternative income generating activities for rural poor and unemployed people towards poverty alleviation. To f