Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus Emphasises Importance of Deep-Sea Research

Expressing deep concern over the presence of plastic on the seabed of the Bay of Bengal and the unusual surge in jellyfish populations, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Dr Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh has yet to fully harness its vast marine resources, despite its maritime area being nearly equal to its landmass.

He made the remarks on Tuesday, 6 January, while receiving a research report on marine fisheries resources and ecosystems at the state guest house Jamuna.

The survey and research report, conducted by the research vessel RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen, was formally handed over to the Chief Adviser by the concerned committee.

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. Professor Syedur Rahman Chowdhury of the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, presented the research findings at the meeting.

He said the study identified 65 new aquatic species, but also revealed alarming signs of ecological imbalance. “The abundance of jellyfish in Bangladesh’s deep sea has increased excessively, which is a clear sign of imbalance caused by overfishing,” he noted. The study also found plastic waste at depths of up to 2,000 metres, a development described as extremely concerning. Compared to a 2018 study, the findings show a sharp decline in large fish populations in deep waters, as well as a worrying reduction in fish numbers in shallow waters.

The meeting was informed that although 270 to 280 large trawlers operate in deep-sea fishing, around 70 of them use sonar technology for targeted fishing. This aggressive method, while effective in catching large fish, is severely affecting small-scale fishers. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter warned that continued targeted fishing could render the Bay of Bengal fishless, adding that the government would take a decision on the use of sonar fishing.

Despite these concerns, the research highlighted a strong presence and promising potential of tuna fish. It also reported the discovery of a ‘fishing nursery’ beneath the Sundarbans, which the government has directed to be preserved.

In his address, Dr Yunus stressed the need for adequate research and policy support to effectively utilise marine resources. The meeting was also informed that a multi-role survey vessel, HMS Enterprise, from the UK Royal Navy is in the process of being handed over to the Bangladesh Navy, which will significantly enhance the country’s marine research capabilities.

Emphasising joint research initiatives with Japan, Indonesia and the Maldives, Dr Yunus said that integrating expert knowledge through collaboration would open new horizons for the economy.

Among others present at the meeting were the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfe Siddiqi and Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdullah Al Mamun.

DBTech/MI/EK/OR