Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser calls for deep-sea research and regional collaboration to protect marine ecosystems, curb overfishing, discover new species and unlock sustainable blue economy opportunities through science-led policy and regulation.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the need for intensive deep-sea research to identify challenges facing the country’s marine ecosystems and fisheries and to unlock the economic potential of its maritime resources.
He also highlighted regional collaboration as a priority. Prof Yunus called for joint research initiatives with Japan, Indonesia and the Maldives, stressing that coordinated studies with international experts would help identify challenges, support sustainable fisheries and create new economic opportunities.
Bangladesh’s renewed focus on deep-sea research comes at a critical time, as declining fish stocks, overfishing and plastic pollution threaten marine ecosystems that are vital for food security, biodiversity and climate resilience.
On Tuesday morning, a meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna where the research report of the vessel R.V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen on marine fisheries and ecosystems was submitted to the office of the Chief Adviser of the interim government. The report was prepared by a team of 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh, based on a survey conducted from August 21 to September 21, 2021.
Those present at the meeting included Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, International Affairs Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfe Siddiqui, Professor Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury of the Institute of Marine Sciences at Chittagong University and Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md Abdullah Al Mamun.
Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the key findings, noting that 65 new species of marine organisms were discovered during the survey. He warned that an overabundance of jellyfish in Bangladesh’s deep waters indicates an ecosystem imbalance caused by overfishing. Plastic pollution was also detected at depths of up to 2,000 meters, raising serious environmental concerns.
The study revealed a decline in large fish populations in deep waters compared to a 2018 assessment, while shallow waters also showed significant reductions. According to the report, 270 to 280 large fishing trawlers operate in deep waters, with about 70 using sonar for targeted fishing. While this method produces higher catches for deep-sea operators, it negatively affects fishermen in shallower waters. The Fisheries Adviser cautioned that continued targeted sonar fishing could deplete fish stocks in the Bay of Bengal and said the government would take regulatory decisions soon.
The research also identified strong potential for tuna in deep-sea zones and discovered a fish nursery under the Sundarbans, which the government has already ordered to be protected.
Prof Yunus stressed that Bangladesh has maritime territory comparable to its land area, yet these resources have not been fully mapped or utilized. He emphasized that adequate research, policy support and coordination with experts are essential to harness marine resources sustainably and responsibly.
Officials also noted that the UK Royal Navy’s multipurpose hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel HMS Enterprise is being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy. The vessel will collect seabed and depth data along with other marine information to strengthen the country’s marine research and operational capacity.
