Md Jayedul Islam, Research Assistant, Aquatic Bioresources Research Lab (ABRLab), Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Sher-e-Bangladesh Agricultural University (SAU) was present at tea with Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra’s online biology interview. He has many experiences in the Marine Fisheries field.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Firstly, what is your educational background?
Md Jayedul Islam: I studied Zoology during my Bachelor and Master degree (majoring fisheries) at Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Recently you have discovered a new fish species, new to science. Can you tell me this story.
Md Jayedul Islam: Discovery of new giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus younholeei, sp. nov.; English common name: Bangladeshi guitarfish, Bangla Name: Pitambori) was a group research work at Aquatic Bioresources Research Lab (ABRLab), Sher-e-Bangladesh Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have conducted this research work under the scholastic supervision of my Professor, Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Science, SAU, Dhaka. This species was found during our regular survey on the elasmobranchs diversity assessment from November 2019 and January 2020. Into the Lab, firstly, the morphological study was conducted for this species, then we sequenced those samples through DNA Barcoding. After the analysis of both studies, we have confirmed this species a new to science by publishing an article on this in a renowned taxonomic journal.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: As zoologist what do you think, what training courses or extra education are need to improve?
Md Jayedul Islam: As a zoologist and fisheries biologist, I think, hands-on training for the students, researchers both in the laboratory and in the field is important that makes them confidant and capability improvement in the research. Our university curriculums in Bangladesh are weak in design and lagging, need to include more hands-on training and courses on statistics and data analysis, science writing, science communication, critical thinking, and fundraising skills. Most importantly, curriculums need to discard many irrelevant subjects or courses that are taught because it was traditionally taught in this way. Those who are motivated and want to get into the research field should be equipped with these even if it is absent in the curriculum.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are you studying right now? What types of questions are trying to solve in your research?

Md Jayedul Islam: I am studying the population genomics, phylogenetics, diversity, and taxonomy of marine fishes of Bangladesh. I am trying to solve the complexity of the identification of marine fishes through integrated taxonomy (morphology and DNA Barcoding). At the same time, the identification of genetic population stock into the Bay of Bengal is also my current research goal.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What do you think, what are the challenges in a fisheries field?
Md Jayedul Islam: Though, Fish is the second most valuable agricultural crop in Bangladesh. However, the fisheries sector is provoked by challenges posed by numerous natural and anthropogenic causes such as climate change, natural disasters, unplanned urbanization and industrialization, overfishing, and environmental pollution. Fund scarcity, irregular funding, lack of uniform service rules, etc., are the constraining factors for the dissatisfaction of scientists in consistent research on fisheries. Low production, knowledge gaps, lack of dependable marketing information, disease hazards, low price, required inputs support and uneducable technologies are major factors responsible for optimizing production.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What do you think, what are the misconception in fisheries?
Md Jayedul Islam: The misconception in fisheries among the people is, they think, our large fisheries resources only available rivers, ponds, and culture media. Unfortunately, we did not expose our large marine resources that are home to fisheries resources.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are your inspirations to study fisheries?
Md Jayedul Islam: Less discovered marine fisheries resources of Bangladesh compared with other countries inspired my inventory thought and made me enthusiastic to do research on marine fishes.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: How do you think about human fish interactions?
Md Jayedul Islam: Bangladeshi people are popularly referred to as Mache Bhate Bangali or fish and rice make a Bengali. Fish is the second most valuable agricultural crop in Bangladesh and contributes to the livelihoods and employment of millions of people. The culture and consumption of fish, therefore, have important implications for national income and food security.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Can I tell you; you are successful zoologist? Why or why not?
Md Jayedul Islam: Before I think about this question, I have to go a long way. I never strive for success rather I strive for making an impact.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Why do you like to work as zoologist? Sometimes are you disappointed as zoologist?
Md Jayedul Islam: I have keen interests in marine fish that drives me to be a fisheries biologist. I feel privileged for my work but I feel disappointed when I think of the future of marine fisheries stock that I love and work for.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are your future steps in Conservation?
Md Jayedul Islam: At this time, I am focused on learning tools, techniques, and methods to develop myself as a skilled conservation professional and pass on. In the future, I want to conduct quality research to generate evidence so that policy can be made based on information for conservation.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: How does your work in fisheries benefit to the society?
Md Jayedul Islam: Knowing more about the facts of marine fish helps us to keep the marine fisheries sustainable. fish Without the sustainability of natural fisheries stock, difficult to supply the sustainable fish protein for nutrition that society demands.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What is your memorable work?
Md Jayedul Islam: I am not convinced I have done any memorable work in that way. But, the discovery of a new guitarfish species was one of the memorable works I have conducted yet.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What advice would you give students who are looking to go into field work?
Md Jayedul Islam: Keep yourself safe, sound, and fit; keep studying. Enjoy your work with patience and honesty.
No comments:
Post a Comment