Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for extensive deep-sea research and clear identification of challenges to unlock Bangladesh’s vast and largely untapped marine resources, saying such efforts could open new economic opportunities for the country.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a survey and research report on marine fisheries resources and ecosystems, conducted by the research vessel RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen. The report was presented at a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
Highlighting the country’s maritime potential, Yunus said Bangladesh’s sea area is almost equal to its landmass, yet much of its marine wealth remains unexplored and underutilised.
“We have not been able to use these resources properly, nor fully understand their scale or potential,” he said, adding that effective utilisation would require sustained research and strong policy support.
He also stressed the need for coordinated marine research with countries such as Japan, Indonesia and the Maldives, saying collaboration with international experts could help Bangladesh overcome technical and knowledge gaps.
“We must clearly identify the problems and work with specialists who have the necessary expertise. Through this process, new horizons of the economy will open up,” he said.
The survey was carried out between August 21 and September 21 last year by a team of 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 Bangladeshi researchers.
Presenting the findings, Chittagong University Institute of Marine Sciences professor Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury said the research identified 65 previously undocumented aquatic species in Bangladesh’s marine waters.
He also warned of an excessive rise in jellyfish populations in deep-sea areas, describing it as a sign of ecological imbalance caused by overfishing. Plastic waste was also found at depths of up to 2,000 metres, raising concerns about marine pollution.
Comparisons with a 2018 study showed a sharp decline in large fish populations in deep-sea zones, while fish stocks in shallow waters are falling at an even faster rate, the report said.
The findings showed that around 270 to 280 large fishing trawlers operate in deep-sea areas, with about 70 using sonar-based targeted fishing methods. Researchers said such practices benefit deep-sea operators but severely affect small-scale fishers in shallow waters.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter warned that continued targeted fishing could threaten the sustainability of the Bay of Bengal, saying the government would decide on the future of sonar-based fishing.
The study also identified significant potential for tuna fishing in deep-sea areas and located a fishing nursery beneath the Sundarbans, which the government has instructed to protect.
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 is expected to strengthen seabed mapping and marine data collection, boosting Bangladesh’s research capacity.
