A Dream of Blue Economy: Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources

The Blue Economy focuses on utilising ocean resources sustainably, equitably, and in an environmentally responsible manner to benefit humanity.

Its main principle is that economic growth must not compromise the health of the ocean. This approach encompasses traditional sectors, such as fisheries, and newer ones, including shipping, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, and marine biotechnology. For Bangladesh, a coastal nation, the Blue Economy offers our greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century. With a vast maritime territory, we are well-positioned to utilise sea-based resources to their fullest potential. To achieve this, we must break free from old habits and focus on harnessing the full, sustainable potential of the deep sea.

The vast waters of our coastal region and the fisheries resources within them are not merely an economic driving force, but a crucial pillar of our national security. When we envision the Blue Economy, the sustainable and responsible use of these abundant aquatic resources is at its core. This sustainable management of fisheries is not an isolated concept; it is an integrated fusion of ocean ecosystem health, the livelihoods of coastal communities, and future food security. The fisheries sector contributes approximately 3.57% to the country's total GDP and over 25% to the agricultural GDP. Approximately 1.95 crore people (19.5 million) are directly or indirectly dependent on this sector, accounting for about 12% of the total population. In terms of food security, over 60% of our daily animal protein comes from fish.

Currently, our fisheries sector faces a two-pronged challenge: on one hand, the pressure to meet increasing demand, and on the other, environmental degradation caused by overfishing and the impacts of climate change. To secure this valuable resource for the future, we must transition away from conventional fishing methods and focus on deep-sea fishing and controlled aquaculture. Instead of relying solely on fish near the coast, we should use modern technology and research to explore resources in the deep sea. Recent data indicate that over 40,000 square kilometres of our exclusive economic zone in the deep sea remain unutilized. Its proper utilisation requires long-term investment, the development of skilled human resources, and the use of international standard fishing trawlers, which will simultaneously ensure maritime security.

The Revolutionary Role of Hatchery and Aquaculture is extremely vital in this context. To advance, it is recommended to diversify species in inland and coastal farms—moving beyond reliance on Rui (Rohu), Katla (Catla), and Shrimp, and cultivating High-Value Marine Species. Bangladesh's rise to third in global fish production, driven by an 11% annual growth in inland aquaculture, is notable. Adopting technologies such as Biofloc or the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is recommended to increase production in limited space while reducing water usage and environmental impact. Promote these methods to strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities in the international market. To further boost our annual fish export revenue, which already exceeds BDT 4,000 crore (approximately 40 billion Taka), prioritise sustainable management practices.

The foundation of sustainable use is Data-Driven Management. It is essential to accurately collect and analyse information on where, when, and how much fish are being caught. Effectively banning fishing during the spawning season of fish species and establishing Marine Protected Areas are integral parts of this management. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that small-scale fishers have access to modern equipment and training. By integrating their traditional knowledge with scientific methods to create a Co-management model, the wastage of resources and illegal fishing at the local level can be significantly reduced. Preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is now a demand of the time. This not only harms our economy but also disrupts the balance of the entire ecosystem. It is also essential to bring fishing vessels under constant surveillance using state-of-the-art monitoring systems, such as Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).

To fully reap the benefits of the Blue Economy, we must prevent marine pollution. Plastic waste, industrial effluent, and oil spills destroy our aquatic ecosystem. The government must enforce stricter laws and require coastal industries to use environmentally friendly technologies. Fisheries resources do more than just feed people; they drive our economy and contribute significantly to the country's GDP. To combat climate change, we must make coastal infrastructure resilient and protect Mangrove Forests (like the Sundarbans), which support fish breeding and shield coasts from disasters.

This dream is not merely about increasing the quantity of fish caught; it is a commitment to maintaining our ocean's health, enhancing the quality of life for people in coastal areas, and leaving a rich aquatic legacy for future generations. The key to fulfilling this commitment lies in the balanced and responsible management of fisheries resources, where science, technology, and policy foresight work in tandem to achieve this goal.