CA for deep-sea research, problem identification to harness marine resources

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today (6 January) underscored the need for extensive research in deep-sea and identification of challenges to ensure proper utilization of vast marine resources.

He put the emphasis as a concerned committee submitted a survey and research report, made by the research vessel RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen on marine fisheries resources and ecosystems, to him at a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna here this morning, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Chittagong University (CU) 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.

Noting that Bangladesh has an equal amount of water area as its land area, the Chief Adviser said, "But we were unable to utilize these resources properly; we were not even able to know the scale of the resources and their potential."

"We have to ensure effective use of this resource. For that, adequate research and policy support will be needed," Prof Yunus said.

He further emphasised coordinating joint marine research initiatives with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives. 

"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," the Chief Adviser said.

The survey was carried out from 21 August to 21 September last year by a team of 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 Bangladeshi researchers. 

Presenting the findings, Professor Sayedur Rahman informed the meeting that the research identified the existence of 65 new aquatic species in Bangladesh's marine waters.

The population of jellyfish in the deep-sea in Bangladesh has increased excessively, he said, adding, "This is a sign of imbalance. This occurred due to overfishing."

Professor Sayedur Rahman also highlighted the alarming discovery of plastic waste even at depths of 2,000 meters, calling it a matter of deep concern.

A comparison with a 2018 study revealed a significant decline in large fish populations in deep-sea areas, while fish stocks in shallow waters are decreasing at an even more alarming rate. 

According to the findings, around 270 to 280 large fishing trawlers operate in deep-sea fishing, of which about 70 use sonar-based targeted fishing methods. 

This is a very aggressive method. It benefits those who catch large fish in the deep-sea but severely harms fishers who catch fish in shallow water.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said, "If targeted fishing continues like this, there is a risk that the Bay of Bengal will be devoid of fish. The government will decide on sonar fishing."

The research also revealed that there is an abundance of tuna fish in deep-sea fishing in Bangladesh and that there is potential for this. 

The study identified a fishing nursery beneath the Sundarbans. The government has already issued instructions to ensure the protection of this nursery area.

The meeting was also informed that the United Kingdom's Royal Navy is in the process of handing over a multi-role hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel- HMS Enterprise- to the Bangladesh Navy. 

The vessel will support seabed mapping, depth measurement, and marine data collection, which help enhance Bangladesh's marine research and capacity.