The complete genome sequencing of four carp fishes -- Ruhi, Catla, Kalbaus and Mrigal -- and a dolphin of the Halda River was unveiled at a programme on Tuesday.
This discovery will provide a comprehensive knowledge about the genetic formation, evolutionary origin, conservation and population genetics of the fishes and dolphins in this region.
The revelation was made at a virtual programme organised by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
PKSF Managing Director Dr Nomita Halder presided over the occasion, while its Additional Managing Directors Md Fazlul Kader and Dr. Md. Jashim Uddin joined the discussion among others.
Coordinator of Halda Research Lab under Chattogram University Professor Dr Manzoorul Kibria and Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Professor Dr A M A M Zonaed Siddiki, who led the research, made a presentation on the achievement.
Since 2016, the PKSF has been implementing a value chain programme under the IFAD-funded PACE project through a partner organization named Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) for the conservation and development of the Halda River, which is the only natural carp-spawning source in Bangladesh.
As part of the programme, the country's first single river-based research institute 'Halda River Research Laboratory' was established at the University of Chattogram that unveiled the genome sequencing.
In addition, a research and training centre with a hatchery has been set up to provide research assistance and training to students and development workers interested in the Halda River.
PKSF MD Nomita Halder formally inaugurated the research and training centre.
Speaking on the occasion, she assured the stakeholder of continuous support from PKSF in conserving the river ecosystem and the fish species therein.
Dr Manzoorul Kibria said the outcome of study has been published on the website of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a US-based organisation recognized as the world's genome sequencing database.
"Consequently, Halda fishes can be compared with the native fish and dolphins of other countries," he said, adding that it will also help fish growers differentiate between the eggs of fishes from Halda and other sources.
Dr A M A M Zonaed Siddiki said that Halda is a unique river in the world as being a freshwater river, there are tides.
"Due to the special natural features here, the growth and taste of carp fishes is better than other river fishes. However, we have come a long way in finding out which genetic traits are good for these fish," he said.
