A joint research team from Jagannath University and Shanghai Ocean University announced three groundbreaking achievements in the study of Bangladesh's national fish, the Hilsa shad, or Tenualosa ilisha, at a news conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Feb 27.

The conference highlighted the research contributions of three Bangladeshi scholars who graduated from Shanghai Ocean University — doctors Md Rashedur Rahman, Kishor Kumar Sarker, and Anirban Sarker.

Their findings indicated that Hilsa shad complete their first year of reproduction as males before migrating to the sea for feeding. While at sea, they gradually transform into females and return to the rivers for reproduction in their second year.

The research was conducted under the guidance of Professor Li Chenhong in the Lab of Molecular Systematics and Ecology at Shanghai Ocean University.

Li noted that the research represents nearly a decade of effort and the contributions of three generations of Bangladeshi students. He expressed confidence that the findings would establish a solid scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable management of Hilsa shad, while reinforcing ongoing academic collaboration between the two universities.

The research achievements highlight the deepening scientific cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative. Since 2016, Shanghai Ocean University and Jagannath University have engaged in extensive collaboration in aquaculture, genetic resource conservation, and marine ecological monitoring.

Looking ahead, both institutions plan to further explore the biological characteristics, breeding techniques, and resource conservation of Hilsa shad and other key aquatic species, jointly applying for international research projects to advance scientific discoveries and their practical applications.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, Shanghai Ocean University