Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the necessity for extensive research in deep-sea environments and the identification of challenges to ensure the optimal utilization of Bangladesh’s vast marine resources. He highlighted this need following the submission of a survey and research report by the research vessel RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen on marine fisheries resources and ecosystems. This submission took place at a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, as relayed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Chittagong University Institute of Marine Sciences Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury, and Assistant Director of Fisheries Department Dr. Md Abdullah Al-Mamun were present at the meeting. Professor Yunus pointed out that while Bangladesh’s water area equals its land area, the country has been unable to properly utilize these marine resources or determine their full potential.
The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for adequate research and policy support to ensure the effective use of these resources. He also proposed coordinating joint marine research initiatives with countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives to further this goal. ‘We must clearly identify the problems and coordinate research with experts who possess specialized knowledge. Through this process, new horizons of economy will open up,’ he stated.
The survey, conducted from August 21 to September 21 last year by a team of 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 Bangladeshi researchers, revealed significant findings. Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the discovery of 65 new aquatic species in Bangladesh’s marine waters and noted the excessive increase in the population of jellyfish, indicating an ecological imbalance due to overfishing.
The study also raised alarms about the presence of plastic waste at depths of 2,000 meters and a significant decline in large fish populations in deep-sea areas, coupled with an even more alarming decrease in shallow water fish stocks. The findings highlighted that around 270 to 280 large fishing trawlers operate in deep-sea fishing, with about 70 employing sonar-based targeted fishing methods. This aggressive method benefits large fish catchers in the deep-sea but negatively impacts those fishing in shallow waters.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter warned that continued targeted fishing could potentially deplete fish populations in the Bay of Bengal, prompting the government to consider regulation on sonar fishing. The research also identified an abundance of tuna fish in deep-sea areas, indicating potential for increased tuna fishing.
Furthermore, the study noted the existence of a fishing nursery beneath the Sundarbans, prompting the government to issue instructions for its protection. The meeting was informed about the imminent handover of a multi-role hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel, HMS Enterprise, from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy to the Bangladesh Navy. This vessel is expected to bolster Bangladesh’s marine research capabilities through seabed mapping, depth measurement, and marine data collection.