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EXPRESSION OF INTERESTS IN RESPECT OF MoFL TO INVOLVE SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
PROGRAM IN THE BAY OF BENGAL FOR NATIONAL INTEREST UNDER IIOE-2 PROGRAM
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL)
Introduction
1.
Bangladesh has achieved much in its quest for economic and social development, but major is
left undone. Significant growing in population and scarcity of food production has not been
accompanied by the employment generation, needed to alleviate massive poverty of the country.
Government policy and actions through proper control and coordination of different ministries and
maritime organizations including scientific research works, scientific data collections and conservation
of resources in the Bay of Bengal through BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO, IODE and IIOE-2 can help to
achieve the goal by exploring, exploiting and protecting country’s vast sea wealth and activities – is the
basic theme of the forwarded MoFL letter no-পম /আন K¬স(সসসসস)/সসস/সস, সসসসস: সস সস
২ ০ ১ ৫ concept paper of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The Bangladesh Government through
MoFA is giving enough priority to make the maritime sectors much more efficient relating to territorial
integrity, international trade, resource inventory and environmental protection by means of national
and international integrated efforts of all the stake holders.
2.
The widespread introduction in the mid-seventies of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the
adoption in 1982, after long deliberations, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS-III) provided a new framework for the better management of marine resources. The new
legal regime of the ocean gave coastal state’s rights and responsibilities for the management and use of
fishery resources within their EEZs which embrace some 90 percent of the world's marine fisheries.
Such extended national jurisdiction was a necessary but insufficient step toward the efficient
management and sustainable development of fisheries. Many coastal states continued to face serious
challenges as, lacking experience and financial and physical resources; they sought to extract greater
benefits from the fisheries within their EEZs.
3.
In recent years, world fisheries have become a market-driven, dynamically developing sector of the
food industry and coastal states have striven to take advantage of their new opportunities by investing
in modern fishing fleets and processing factories in response to growing international demand for fish
and fishery products. By the late 1980s it became clear, however, that fisheries resources could no
longer sustain such rapid and often uncontrolled exploitation and development, and those new
approaches to fisheries management embracing conservation and environmental considerations were
urgently needed. The situation was aggravated by the realization that Illegal, Unregulated and
Unreported (IUU) fisheries on the high seas. In some cases involving straddling and highly migratory
fish species, which occur within and outside EEZs, were becoming a matter of increasing concern.
4.
Bangladesh is also not in any way out of this misty atmosphere with enormous offshore living
resources in the Bay of Bengal. Like any other coastal state and burdened with large population,
Bangladesh is focusing her interests in the long coast line and the vast offshore living resources to
augment her internal assets. As the land based resources are getting scarce day by day, the need for
new resources will make more significant use of sea in the near future. With the implementation of
UNCLOS III coastal nations are competing to increase their sea area to occupy more resources. With
the advancement of science and technology people are putting their best efforts in exploring and
1
extracting these resources. Every coastal country is endeavoring relentlessly to gain benefit both
economically and ecologically by ensuring optimum utilization of these resources.
5.
An international meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 17-18 March, 2015 on the eve of
50th anniversary of International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2). Discussion took place on how the
coastal states along the Indian Ocean can be benefited on marine scientific research works under the
Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME). MoFA foresees that Bangladesh, being a coastal
state along the Bay of Bengal should actively participate in the scientific research works, scientific data
collections and conservation of resources to derive benefit for the country. Within this purview, MoFA
along with the concerned ministries and other related maritime agencies/public institutions desires to
involve actively with BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO, IODE and IIOE-2 in the near future for country’s
economic wellbeing and prosperity.
6.
In attempting to ascertain the avenues in regards to the scientific research works, scientific data
collections and conservation of resources in the Bay of Bengal with BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO, IODE
and IIOE-2, this paper first highlights the present scenario on the sustainability of deep sea fisheries of
Bangladesh and also focused Government’s legal attempts in this regards. Carefully unearthing the
multi-ferrous roles and activities of BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO, IODE and IIOE-2, this paper deduced
each of them individually. Thereafter, summarizing all the deductions-this paper recommends the
specific avenues for future cooperation with the above mentioned international organizations in
regards to MoFL and its other institutions.
Aim
7.
The aim of this paper is to recommend the specific avenues for future cooperation with
BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO, IODE and IIOE-2 in regards to MoFL and its other institutions.
Sustainability of Deep Sea Fisheries-Comments on Present Scenario
8.
In a comprehensive analysis from recorded information in published journal like
Marine Policy and opinion from marine ecologist, fisheries biologist, economist, mathematicians
and international policy experts show that, with rare exceptions, deep sea fisheries in Bangladesh
is unsustainable. The deep sea provides more than remarkable portion of the world's sea
food. But fishing activities, especially bottom trawling causes profound, lasting damage to sea
bed as well as fishes and life on the seafloor; such as deep sea corals and algae. Many deep
sea fishes around the world, including the sharks and skates are going to be endangered
due to over exploitation. To recover the marine ecology, best policy would be to end
economically wasteful deep sea fisheries, redirect subsidies to help displaced fisherman and
rebuild fish populations in productive waters closer to ports and markets by adoption of
appropriate management tools to ensure sustainable fisheries. Instead of over fishing in the Earth's
biggest but most vulnerable ecosystem, nations should recover fish populations those are
depleted from huge catch to more productive coastal waters.
9.
To address the present perspective, we should work together to ensure our bays/seas
for sustainable reservoir of marine living resources for future generations. We do this by
encouraging fisherman to shift toward using sustainable fishing methods from present fishing activities
like SBN, MSBN, ESBN, Push Net, Beach Seine, Bottom trawling etc. Since our founding, we have
worked to limit the impact of bottom trawling and other destructive fishing gear on sensitive marine
ecosystem, while encouraging the use of fishing methods that are less harmful to fish ecology as
well as benthic habitats; and have lower rates of by catch- unwanted species caught up in the
net, many of which are thrown away dead or dying. Over the last 50 years, we have lost about
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90% of the big sized fish in the sea to our dinner plates, but it's not too late to save them. Our
oceans have a remarkable capacity of recovery if we are addressing properly the appropriate
management tools.
10.
Over fishing, formally defined as "situations where one or more fish stocks are reduced
below predefined levels of acceptance by fishing activities", means that fish stocks are depleted to
the point where they may not be able to recover. In some cases, depleted fish stocks have been
restored; however, this is only possible when the species' ecosystem remains intact. If the species
depletion causes an imbalance in the ecosystem, not only is it difficult for the depleted stocks to
return sustainable levels, other species dependent on the depleted stocks may become unbalanced,
causing further problems towards marine ecology. Over fishing, catching more fish than the
ocean can produce has been an ongoing challenge for fisheries managers for decades. Related
to over fishing is the question of how we catch fish. Certain types of fishing methods destroy or
damage the very seafloor habitats where fishes and many other seafloor animals reside. Certain
fishing methods are notorious for catching large amounts of by catch fish, sea turtles, seabirds
and marine mammals that are unintentionally caught and often intentionally killed in fishing
operations. All these virtually remained unfold due to lack of technology, knowledge, management
tools and so on.
11.
Among all fishing methods, bottom trawling, a fishing method that drags a large net
across the seafloor is the most destructive fishing method which is common in our bays/seas.
Bottom trawling is an industrial fishing method where a large net with heavy weights is dragged
across the seafloor, scooping up everything in its path from the targeted fish to the
incidentally caught centuries old corals. Bottom trawls are used in catching marine life that live on
the seafloor, like shrimp, cod, sole and flounder. Bottom trawls are also commonly used by other
fishing nations and on the bays/high seas. Bottom trawling is unselective and severely damaging
to benthic ecosystems. The net indiscriminately catches every life and object it encounters. Thus
many centuries end up mistakenly caught and thrown overboard dead or dying, including
endangered fish. This collateral damage, called by catch, can amount of 90% of a trawlers total
catch. In addition, the weight and width of a bottom trawl can destroy large areas of seafloor
habitats that give marine species food and shelter. Such habitats destructions can leave the
marine ecosystem permanently damaged. We should stop bottom trawling and adopt safe
methods of' fishing to save our ecosystem. To protect the ocean ecosystems from the impacts
of bottom trawling, fishing operation should be switched over to others sustainable methods
should be institutionalized from in-depth research on fishing gear and method those will be the most
profitable interns of fish ecology, commercial viability and environment friendly. For sustainable
commercial harvest from the bay, widely used management tools such as ecosystem based
management in marine capture fisheries may institutionalize.
Government’s Legal Attempts
12.
As a means to conserve biodiversity in situ condition, Bangladesh has three acts in which there
are provisions for conservation of biodiversity through creation of Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park,
Game Reserve, Fish Sanctuary and Ecological Critical Area (ECA). So far, Bangladesh has
established 8 wildlife sanctuaries, 5 national parks and 1 game reserve under the provisions of the
Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Order, 1973; and seven ECAs under the Bangladesh Environment
Act, 1995. Fish sanctuary is established under the Bangladesh Fish Act, 1950 for seasonal protection
of fishes, and their habitats. In respect to delivering solutions for livelihood security associated with
various stakeholders, following strategic plan and different activities are also being implemented:
a.
Sustainable Seafood and Livelihoods from Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Increased export revenues can arise from the sustainable management of wild-capture
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fisheries. The FAO and World Bank “Sunken Billions” report (2009) identifies global marine
capture fisheries as an underperforming global asset. The report concludes that 75% of the
world’s fisheries underperformed in 2004, mainly due to overexploitation. The lost potential
revenue is estimated at US$ 50 billion annually. Over a 30 years period up to 2004, this
amounted to a loss of approximately US$ 2 trillion. According to the report, “through
comprehensive reform, the fisheries sector could become a basis for economic growth and the
creation of alternative livelihoods in many countries. At the same time, a nation’s natural capital
in the form of fish stocks could be greatly increased and the negative impacts of the fisheries
on the marine environment reduced. To overcome underperformance, Government of
Bangladesh has taken some short term and mid-term fishing policy from distant water issuing
fishing licenses for mid-water, purse seining, long-lining and squid jigging to tripling the present
marine landings by year 2021 along with creation of substantial number of employment
opportunities. Beside this, certified wild capture fish and processed fish products to ensure
certified and ecolabelled fish trading in export market. As a policy stakeholder, MoFL is
receiving generous support from DoF, MFA, BFRI and BFDC. In response to IUU fishing, MoFL
is preparing a National Marine Fisheries Policy-2015 for cabinet approval. In this regards
following circular has already been issued from MoFL.
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b.
Mapping and Understanding the Ocean.
The Govt. of Bangladesh procured a
multipurpose research and survey vessel, the R. V. Meen Sandhani (Avi wf gxb mÜvbx) to
explore and exploit marine fisheries resources sustainably through financial support from
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Malaysian Government. The vessel hopefully will come
under operation in 2015. The vessel is equipped with modern research and survey facilities to
foster appropriate resource mapping in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh waters. The vessel
R. V. Meen Sandhani will also ensure new generation of Marine Fisheries Scientists with
cutting-edge technology to explore the sea area of Bangladesh and her untapped renewable
resources.
c.
Critical Coastal Habitat and Biodiversity Protection.
Bangladesh has signed,
ratified, accepted and acceded to CITES, World Heritage Convention, Ramsar Convention,
CBD, Climate Change Convention and Convention to Combat Desertification. Thus it adheres
and commit to the conservation of biodiversity and the environment. Bangladesh faces the Bay
of Bengal in the south and has international border with India in the west, north and northeast;
and Myanmar in the southeast. It has also very similar biodiversity both in ecosystem and
species with the above two countries. Till date Bangladesh counld not able to identify any
issue in respect of constraints of biodiversity conservation. However, Government signed
agreement with India for sharing of Ganges water. Recently, process is on to develop common
approach for conservation of Sundarbans, particularly the World Heritage Sites of the
Sundarbans of both part of Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh has initiated the preparation of
Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (BSAP) for conservation of biodiversity in Bangladesh
under the sponsorship of the GEF and has prepared National Conservation Strategy (NCS)
and the National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP). Both NCS and NEMAP
contain national strategy and national program for conservation of sites important from
biodiversity consideration.
5
Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystems (BOBLME)
13.
The BOBLME Project became operational in April 2009 with the establishment of a Regional
Coordination Unit at FAO-RAP. The Project Inception Workshop was held in November 2009.
Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are
collaborating through the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project to better the lives
of their coastal populations by improving regional management of the Bay of Bengal environment and
its fisheries. The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has been in Bangkok and working in the
Bay of Bengal area for over 50 years. The BOBLME Project will involve FAO working in areas of
fisheries and resource management that it has championed and gained considerable world-wide
recognition. The BOBLME Project is funded principally by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF),
Norway, the Swedish Internal Development Agency, FAO, participating Governments and the National
Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) with a total estimated budget of $USD 31 million
over five years.
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Oceanography Research
and
Marine
Environment
Data
Base
Conservation
Protection of
environment
al quality
Living Marine Research
Resources
Data
Base
Conservation
Limited
information
on marine
living
resources
Seabirds:
Research
Current
knowledge
and research
objectives
Data
Base
Conservation
Protecting
migratory
seabirds
6
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Estuarine and Research
Coastal
Habitats
Data
Base
Conservation
Protection of
mangrove
and coral
reef
ecosystem
Shipping
– Policy
Separate
fishing
and
trade route
Data
Base
Conservation
Interactive
sea area
uses for
fishing, trade
and
commerce;
Problem of
ballast water.
Coastal Zone
Offshore
and Gas
Research
and policy
Data
Base
Conservation
Implementati
on of ICZM
Oil Survey
and policy
Data
Base
Exploration
and
exploitation
Sustainable
use of
Hydrocarbon
resources
7
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Research
and policy
Data
Base
Bi-lateral or
regional
agreement
Implementat
ion by
regional cooperation
Research
of
living and policy
marine
resources
Data
Base
Conservation
Ensure
sustainable
management
Critical
Habitats
Research
and policy
Data
Base
Conservation
Identification
and
management
of critical
habitats
Selected
transboundary
species
Research
and policy
Data
Base
Conservation
Action
needed as
per
UNCLOS-III
(Article-64,
66 and 67)
SocioEconomics
Overexploitation
8
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Enhanced
Research
food security, and policy
reduced
poverty
for
coastal
communities
Data
Base
State easy
adopted
Need to set
as per
MDG’s food
security
programs
Protect
the Research
ecosystem
and policy
and manage
the
living
marine
resources in a
sustainable
way
Data
Base
Conservation
Update
concern law,
rules,
regulations
and policy
Protection of Research
IUU fishing in and policy
BD waters
Data
Base
Protection
and
conservation
Need to
adopted
necessary
rules to
deter,
prevent,
regulate, IUU
fishing
Land-based
pollution
Data
Base
Conservation
Reduction of
land base
pollution
Research
and policy
Picture
Deductions
14.
Sea area of Bangladesh is rich with vast non-living resources of oil, gas, etc and huge living
resources like as fish, sea animals, birds, sea-weeds, corals and phytoplankton on the other hand.
There is a potential of marine eco-tourism and sea transport. Marine ecosystem of Bangladesh has
following resources:
a. 442 species of fish, 36 species of marine shrimp
9
b. 336 species of mollusk and snail
c. 7 species of tortoise, 168 species of sea-weeds
d. 3 species of sponge, 3 species of otter, 1 species of porcupine
e. 16 species of crab, 3 species of crocodile
f.
4 species of snake, 9 species of dolphin, 3 species of whale
g. 53 species of bird, 42 species of mammal
h. 35 species of reptile and 8 species of amphibian
15.
Sundarbans and the Swatch of No Ground indicate very rich in marine biodiversity. The
presence of second largest population of Irrawaddy Dolphin in the waters near Sundarbans is the only
destination of said dolphin enriched marine biodiversity in Bangladesh. But due to different activities
caused marine pollution, over exploitation of marine living resources particularly fish have degraded
and the ecosystem caring capacity is reached in the bottom line of marine health.
16.
Bangladesh is aware that the 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change estimated that the ocean has absorbed about 30 percent of the emitted anthropogenic carbon dioxide which is causing ocean acidification. The Report further assessed that the global
ocean will continue to warm during the 21st century and heat will penetrate from the surface to the
deep ocean and affect ocean circulation. This will definitely adversely impact the marine ecosystem.
Therefore, Bangladesh has to consider the impact of climate change in the management of sea
resources and ocean policy particularly the living resources.
17.
Bangladesh has to adopt strategy in the management of marine living resources. The strategy
will have to ensure a sustainable manner for exploitation of sea resources keeping marine
environment and ecosystem unchanged. The country must follow an ecosystem-based approach of
management for marine resources management. Living and non-living resources of the sea have to
be exploited in such a way that marine biodiversity is not depleted and the renewable capacity of the
sea ecosystem remains productive.
18.
Being a maritime nation, Bangladesh has lack of knowledge and experience regarding
exploration and management of marine resources. Concerned people have knowledge on sea
ecosystem. Bangladesh needs to prepare an integrated coastal and marine resources and ecosystem
database to have a total picture on coastal and marine resources and their ecosystem. Institutional
capacity is to be built up to deal with the issues and problems of marine ecosystem and to manage
and monitor the vast and diversified coastal marine resources.
19.
Bangladesh is a signatory of many international conventions and protocols relating to sea,
such as, Convention of Biological Diversity, Basel Convention, Rotterdam Convention, MARPOL
Convention, Stockholm Convention on PoPs, Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Wetlands of International Importance,
especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) etc. In line with these conventions we have to enact and
enforce ballast water control and prevention law, invasive alien species control and prevention law,
underwater noise control law etc. to have a solid legal frame to protect our sea from chemical and
biological pollution. Certainly, international assistance will be highly expected for implementation of
these conventions and protocols. To materialize sustainable use of ocean, proper and planning by the
Government of Bangladesh, MoFL, DoF, BFRI, BFDC, MFA, Public Universities are of crucial need.
10
Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO)
20.
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO is established in 1960 as
a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO, is the only competent organization for marine
science within the UN system. The purpose of the Commission is to promote international
cooperation and to coordinate programs in research, services and capacity-building, in order to learn
more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply that knowledge for
the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine
environment, and the decision-making processes of its Member States. In addition, IOC is recognized
through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the competent
international organization in the fields of Marine Scientific Research (Part XIII) and Transfer of Marine
Technology (Part XIV).
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Ocean
Research
observation
and policy
and
monitoring,
providing info
and
data
exchange on
the aspects of
the ocean
Data
Base
Build
the Research
knowledge
and policy
base of the
science
of
climate change
Data
Base
Environment
monitoring
Limited
access to
IOC activities
as a member
state
Coordinates
tsunami
warning
Data
Base
Early warning
Limited
knowledge
Research
and policy
Study on
physical,
chemical,
geological and
bio-logical
Bangladesh
Concern
Shortages of
human
resources for
ocean
observation
oceanographic
characteristics
11
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Promotes
Policy
international
cooperation
and
coordinates
programs
in
marine
research,
services
Data
Base
Exchange
program
Limited
scope in
international
cooperation
Prevent
and Policy
reduce of the
impacts
of
marine
haztsunamis,
storm
surges, harmful
Algal
Blooms
Data
Base
Loss of
resource and
lively hood
Lack of
technology
Promotes
Research
capacity
and policy
development
in order to
understand
and effectively
manage
the
resources
of
the ocean and
coastal areas
Data
Base
Exploration,
Exploitation
and
Conservation
Capacity
building
program
through
international
cooperation
Mitigate of the Research
impacts
of
adaptation to
climate change
and variability
Data
Base
Conservation
Adoption of
new policy
Safeguard the Research
Health
of and policy
Ocean
Ecosystems
Data
Base
Conservation
Enhanced
monitoring
and
surveillance
12
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Manage
Research
Procedures
and policy
and
Policies
Leading to the
Sustainability
of Coastal and
Ocean
Environment
and Resources
Data
Base
Conservation
Updating
concern
rules and
regulation
Capacity
development
Research
and policy
Data
Base
Conservation
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Promote
Research
policies
for
sustainability
Data
Base
Conservation
Review of
existing
policy and
update
Establish
Policy
National Ocean
Policy
Data
Base
Conservation
Adopt new
national
ocean policy
Picture
Deductions
21.
Transfer of Marine Technology- the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
is a legal order for the oceans and seas. Part XIV deals with the Transfer of Marine Technology and is
inspired by the Principles of No Discrimination.
22.
The Transfer of Marine Technology was placed in the Agenda of UNCLOS to ensure the
exploration and exploitation of the seabed and the areas for developing countries.
13
23.
Part XIV encourages States and International Organizations to cooperate in promoting the
development and transfer of marine technology on fair and reasonable terms and conditions in order
to help developing countries to access the benefits of Oceans and Seas.
24. The UNESCO/IOC/Law of the Sea (UNESCO/IOC/LOS) is the set of activities of the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO assisting member states in the
implementation of Parts XIII and XIV, in addition to Article 76,of the United Nations Convention of the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
25.
Part XIII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) deals with marine
scientific research, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO through its
Advisory Body of Experts on the Law of the Sea (IOC/ABE-LOS) has been implementing relevant
provisions of UNCLOS. Experts appointed by Member States work to implement the Convention in
this field in order to provide a significant contribution to the development and conduct of marine
scientific research.
26.
In response IOC-UNESCO activities regarding marine scientific research, the governmental
Bangladesh need to take an initiative to signing agreement between IOC-UNESCO and Government
of Bangladesh within the umbrella under Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to capacity building for
national scientific communities from all concern agencies and public universities for better
understanding and uses of marine living and non-living resources of Bangladesh.
International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE)
27.
Formally, the IODE started out as a Working Group on Oceanographic Data Exchange which
was created by the First IOC Assembly (19-27 October 1961) through Resolution I-9. The Working
Group became a Working Committee in 1973 through Resolution VIII-31, adopted by the 8th Session
of the IOC Assembly (5-17 November 1973). Its purpose is to enhance marine research, exploitation
and development, by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between
participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products.
The IODE system forms a worldwide service oriented network consisting of DNAs (Designated
National Agencies), NODCs (National Oceanographic Data Centers), RNODCs (Responsible National
Oceanographic Data Centers) and WDCs (World Data Centers – Oceanography). During the past 50
years, IOC Member States have established over 80 oceanographic data centers in as many
countries. This network has been able to collect, control the quality of, and archive millions of ocean
observations, and makes these available to Member States.
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Promote
Policy
exchange and
access
to,
metadata and
information incl
data, products
and info in
real- time, near
real time and
delayed mode.
Data
Base
Initiatives for
discovery
14
Bangladesh
Concern
Provision
of
ocean
data
recording
system
in
proposed
Bangobandhu
satellite:
Establish
GLOOS
center in the
BOB
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Encourage the Policy
long
term
archival,
preservation,
management
and svc of all
data, products,
and info
Data
Base
Capacity
building
Through
technical
cooperation
Use of existing Research
best practices and policy
for
the
discovery,
exchange of,
and access to
data and info
including
int
standards,
quality control
and
appropriate
info technology
Data
Base
Capacity
building
Through
technical
cooperation
Assist Member Policy
States
to
acquire
the
necessary cap
to
manage
marine
research and
obs data and
info
and
become
partners in the
IODE network
Data
Base
Cooperation
Through Bilateral
agreement
Support
int Research
scientific and and policy
operational
programs,
including the
Framework for
Ocean
Observing for
the benefit of a
wide range of
users
Data
Base
Cooperation
Through Bilateral
agreement
15
Picture
Deductions
28.
Satellite remote sensing is commonly used in marine and oceanographic research as a tool to
get quick estimations of chlorophyll, a proxy for phytoplankton abundance which give us reciprocal
data on tuna resources.
29.
Big eye tuna is higher in regions of SST (Sea Surface Temperature) in 260 C-280 C, surface
Chlorophyll a concentration around 0.2 mg/m3, surface current speed above 0.15 m/s, or higher sea
surface height (SSH). Because all the marine environmental parameters may change quickly with time
or in space, satellite remote sensing data can provide the near real time observation for timely
predictions of tuna fishing ground in the vast ocean.
30.
IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission) is a corporate body of member state which provides
information onward migratory tuna schools through charging designated fees. IOTC got ocean colour
data from various satellites moving around the globe and interoperated the data into tuna schools,
their location and suggested most suitable time and location for harvest tuna. Governmental initiatives
to become a part of IOTC will ease work load of survey and also reduce the cost of survey. At the 12th
session of the Compliance Committee Bangladesh awarded the status of Cooperating Non-contracting
Party. Now, there are much scope to work with IOTC to explore our deep sea marine resources.
International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2)
31.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE)
conducted in the early 1960s a new 5-year expedition is being launched by UNESCO’s
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) – the 2nd International Indian Ocean Expedition
or IIOE-2. In its statement announcing the launch of this initiative, the IOC called it “truly collaborative
and societal relevant” and one that will “provide an exciting platform for knowledge transfer and
capacity building,” raising global awareness about the importance of the Indian Ocean. The IIOE-2
Science Plan developed under the auspices of SCOR is broad and multidisciplinary. It will require
substantial resources deployed with frequency and extensive geographic reach over most of the Indian
Ocean basin and selectively into Regional Seas and the Southern Ocean. The objectives of the IIOE-2
Expedition described in The Strategic Framework for Implementation of IIOE-2 report submitted to
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) state that: “The motivation,
coordination and integration of Indian Ocean research through IIOE-2 will advance knowledge,
increase scientific capacity, and enable international collaboration in an under-sampled, poorly
understood, yet important region. IIOE-2 will promote awareness of the significant of Indian Ocean
processes and enable a major contribution to their understanding, include the impact of Indian Ocean
variability and change on regional ecosystems, human populations, and global climate.”
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Physical,
Research
chemical,
and policy
dynamic,
geological and
bio-logical
study of Indian
Ocean region
Data
Base
Research
cruise
operation
16
Bangladesh
Concern
Scope
for
Bangladeshi
scientist,
academician
,
graduate
student and
other stake
holder
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Early warning Research
system
on and policy
formation
of
tropical
cyclone
in
higher latitude
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Scope of trg
for
Bangladeshi
scientist,
academician
and
other
stake
holders
in
cyclone
research org
Sustainable
Research
use of marine and policy
living
resources
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Exploration of Policy
marine
nonliving resource
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Early warning Policy
system
for
tsunami
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Ocean
acidification
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Research
and policy
17
Picture
Activities of
the
Organization
Area of Works for Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Concern
Climate
Research
change impact and policy
assessment
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Manganese
Research
nodule
and and policy
other mineral
resources
Data
Base
Capacity
building
program
through
training
Through
international
cooperation
Picture
Deductions
32.
The chlorophyll pigment concentration which is very important for the biological productivity of
the Ocean and the ecosystem structure and functioning of living resources growth. Annual chlorophyll
pigment concentration is very low in Bay of Bengal due to low temperature in deeper water. The
chlorophyll pigment concentration on an average is less than half comparing the Arabian Sea.
Variation in the seasonality also less therein.
33.
It is important to notice the prominent feature of the global ocean circulation. Professionals
least understood in the Indian Ocean, that is the seasonal cyclone circulation and currents. It is a very
distinct subtropical Cyer that would exist in the entire ocean basin.
34.
The Bay of Bengal have a seasonal sub tropical Gyer during March,
cyclonic circulation during fall, winter, monsoon. The Bay of Bengal is a site
the cyclone are associated with very active biophysical coupling and here is
the cyclone acts over the ocean it will pump up lot of sub surface waters to
nutrient rich water can then kick start ocean biology.
April, May and a reverse
of intense cyclone, so all
an example of that when
the surface and this cold
Summary of the Deductions.
35.
The livelihoods and economic benefits derived from the oceans are also valued by many
means. The oceans are the primary means of trade to and from the rest of the world. Economic
18
benefits from the ocean will arise from the drive to add greater value to natural endowments. A
significant proportion of individual and collective wealth is derived from the oceans through the
seafood industry, tourism, petroleum and minerals. Throughout the world, there is a significant
movement of populations and economic activities to the coastal areas, which have made exploitation
of oceanic resources and preservation of the marine environment an increasing priority for all the
nations. Our land-man ratio being the lowest in the world, we can no longer sustain pressures for food,
shelter, energy and other necessary commodities. Hence we are bound to show a positive respect to
our adjacent ocean which is rich in enormous unexplored living and non-living resources. Moreover,
the ratification of the UNCLOS III by Bangladesh has ushered a new opportunity of maritime
jurisdiction along with new rights and responsibilities.
36.
The overall aim of implementing ecosystem-based management in marine capture fisheries is
to find new, innovative forms of management that conserve fish populations, don't harm other
marine species, protect the structure and function of marine ecosystems, and support sustainable
fisheries and the fishers that depend on them. W e know WWF was the first conservation
organization to produce an international holistic framework for ecosystem-based management
of marine capture fisheries. This framework has been referenced by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) as valid guidance for fisheries alongside the FAO’s own,
slightly different, ecosystem-approach to fisheries management. The-science-based ecosystembased management framework has two main themes: the effect of the environment on the
resource, and conversely, the effect of resource exploitation on the environment.
Implementing ecosystem-based management in fisheries management therefore requires taking
careful account of which ecosystem conditions may affect fish stocks and their productivity. This
may lead to the ration of no-take zones or other types of Marine Protected Areas around, for
example, fish spawning, breeding, or feeding grounds. Protection of these key habitats helps
depleted fish populations to recover, and ensures the long-term sustainability and productivity
of' a fishery.
37.
Implementing ecosystem-based management into fisheries management also
requires taking equally careful account of the ways that fishing activities may affect marine
ecosystems. In order to maintain a healthy ecosystem, and hence a healthy fishery, in many
instances fish catches may need to be reduced to allow the target species to continue to play 'as
natural role in functioning ecosystems. In addition, fishing gear that eliminates or minimizes the
incidental take of non-target species (by catch) and damage to marine habitats may need to be
implemented. Marine ecosystems are very complex, our knowledge of them is limited, and the
ways in which our activities affect them is poorly addressed or understood. The ecosystem-based
management approach to managing fisheries recognizes that decisions will often be made in a
climate of uncertainty. However, uncertainty should never be an excuse for in action.
Management decisions are best made using multiple lines of evidence, including convincing
unreliable evidence, and a precautionary approach. One key aspect of ecosystem-based management
is that it recognizes the economic, social, and cultural interest of all stakeholders in a fishery and
how these interests affect resource management. Therefore, attempts for adopting ecosystem based
management tools including a precautionary approach may consider in the near future.
38.
By managing human issues and impacts, the eco-system based management approach
to fisheries is more likely to succeed where many other initiatives have failed - leading to healthy,
sustainable fisheries and restored marine ecosystems. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are some of
the simplest of marine management tools that can offer some of the highest gains in the terms of
marine conservation.
39.
Given the logistical and economical challenges of monitoring large marine ecosystem,
huge expenses for monitoring and surveillance is one of the major challenge of ocean, achieving
19
public compliance to regulations on effective protection. New surveillance technologies can
increase monitoring capability and guide law enforcing agencies to suspicious activities.
Surveillance and enforcement of regulations on the high seas (long distant water) is even
more challenging than without our jurisdiction where rules of UNCLOS-III are applicable. Therefore
for conservation of marine living resources of Bangladesh, government should apply applicable
rules and regulations in collaboration with loca l and foreign expertise to betterment of our
marine resource stock and sustainable practice of marine fishing for future generation.
40.
Bangladesh has 710 km long coast line along with the Bay of Bengal, the north Bengal pan of
the Indian Ocean; covering 1,18,813 Square km EEZ remained at the forefront and highly potential
areas for sustainable practice of blue economical activities. Food security is very closely related to the
sustainable use of biological resources through exploration and exploitation of marine fisheries
resources in Bangladesh. As mankind moves into the 21st century, integrated policies of ocean
governance are necessary for sustainable development and use of our sea areas and its resources
and for the protection of the marine environment as well. Towards this end, Marine Fisheries
Academy, Chittagong is the only nationalized professional training and research institute, where the
motto of the institution is oriented with training and research on exploration and exploitation of sea
resources, oceanographic and environmental aspects within EEZ. Moreover, vast areas within
continental shelf of coastal areas are assumed to be suitable for Mari-culture practice. At present, Mari
culture is presently absent in Bangladesh marine waters and the time is knocking at the door for
consideration of top priority training field for the Marine Fisheries Academy in the near future. Within
the platform of sea resource planning, organized by the Government of Bangladesh, some other
ocean industries that may play key roles in the economy of Bangladesh are summarized in Table-1:
Table1. Classification and Definition of Major Ocean Industries
Ocean Sector
Definition
Marine Fishery
Includes mariculture, marine fishing, marine fishery service
industry and marine aquatic processing, etc.
Offshore Oil and Gas
Industry
Refers to production activities of exploring, exploiting,
transporting and processing raw oil and natural gas in the ocean.
Ocean Mining Industry
Includes the activities of extracting and dressing beach placers,
beach soil chloride and sand, submarine geothermal energy, and
coal mining and deep-sea mining, etc.
Marine Salt Industry
Refers to the activity of producing salt products with the sodium
chloride as the main component by utilizing seawater, including
salt extracting and processing.
Shipbuilding Industry
Refers to the activity of building ocean vessels, offshore fixed
and floating equipment with metals or non-metals as main
materials as well as repairing and dismantling ocean vessels.
Marine Chemical Industry
Includes the production activities of chemical products of sea
salt, seawater, sea algal and marine petroleum chemical
industries.
20
Marine Biomedicine
Refers to the production, processing and manufacturing activities
of marine based medicines and marine health care products by
using organisms as raw materials (or by extracting these
organism’s useful components).
Marine Engineering and
Building Industry
Refers to the architectural projects construction and its
preparations in the sea, at the sea bottom and seacoast for such
uses as marine production, transportation, recreation, protection,
etc., including constructions of seaports, coastal power stations,
coastal dykes, marine tunnels and bridges, land terminals of
offshore oil and gas fields as well as building of processing
facilities, and installation of submarine pipelines and equipment,
but not the projects of house building and renovation.
Marine Electric Power
Refers to the activities of generating electric power in the coastal
region by making use of ocean energies and ocean wind energy.
It does not include the thermal and nuclear power generation in
the coastal area.
Seawater Utilization
Refers to the activities of the direct use of sea water and the
seawater desalination, including those of carrying out the
production of desalination and applying the seawater as water for
industrial cooling, urban domestic water, water for firefighting
etc., but not the activity of the multipurpose use of seawater
chemical resources.
Marine Communications
and Transportation
Refers to the activities of carrying out and serving the sea
transportations with vessels as main vehicles, including oceangoing passenger transportation, auxiliary activities of water
transportation, pipeline transportation, loading, unloading and
transport as well as other transportation and service activities.
Coastal Tourism
Refers to the tourist related activities that take place in the
coastal zone, on sea islands as well as recreational activities that
use the ocean; including water based sports, marine mammal
and bird watching, etc.
Conclusion
41.
A comprehensive policy will reflect and be responsive to the inter-connections between the air,
sea and land and to the physical and biological dynamics of the ocean and along the coastline. Ocean
living resources, the ecosystems they form, and the ecological processes they mediate, provide
immense benefits to human society. Increasingly, these resources and their benefits are threatened by
human activities. Fishing, waste disposal and runoff, coastal development, and invasions of exotic
species have led to worldwide declines in marine species and the integrity of marine ecosystems,
particularly coastal ecosystems. The issues raised are the heart of our shared concern for our marine
environment. The development of the policy will enable us to use, conserve and protect our ocean. It
will draw on the marine industry development strategy and will be supported by the marine science
and technology plan. A comprehensive policy has the potential to be a powerful force for change and
lead us into a better future as a healthy society supported by a healthy sea.
21
42.
A coherent and consistent regulatory framework and a strong national infrastructure will be
required to facilitate the continuation of existing sectors’ contributions and the realization of new
opportunities. These measures should be pursued by all concerned maritime agencies and stakeholders across ocean sectors consistent with planning and management principles. Hence all the
sector and industries like fisheries, aquaculture, offshore hydrocarbon, environment, shipping and
shipbuilding, port development and tourism would have to provide positive responses against the
challenges. But the main challenge of the policy will be to improve the managerial and technical skill of
the people, to develop community understanding and awareness of the general mass. Since the policy
will have strong international connotation, guidelines should also be given in identifying the common
areas for regional cooperation with our friendly neighbors. In reality, it is the right time for our
Government, to be forward looking and formulate an Ocean Act before the problems of the ocean
become obstinate and before missing any other opportunities and that might put heavy tolls to our
national economies.
43.
Healthy oceans are essential for global food security, livelihoods and economic growth. The
oceans cover some 72 percent of the Earth's surface, and are both an engine for global economic
growth and a key source of food security. The world faces one of the biggest challenges of the 21st
century: how to feed 9 billion people by 2050 in the face of climate change, economic and financial
uncertainty and the growing competition for natural resources. These multiple challenges require an
integrated response and an urgent transition of the world economy towards a sustainable, inclusive
and resource efficient path. Ocean health and productivity must be at the heart of global efforts to
eradicate poverty, strengthen food security and build resistance to climate change.
44.
MoFA foresees that Bangladesh, being a coastal state along the Bay of Bengal should actively
participate in the scientific research works, scientific data collections and conservation of resources to
derive benefit for the country. Within this purview, MoFA along with the concerned ministries and other
related maritime agencies/public institutions desires to involve actively with BOBLME, IOC-UNESCO,
IODE and IIOE-2 in the near future for country’s economic wellbeing and prosperity. With a view to
improving food security, eradicating poverty and delivering shared prosperity, MoFL welcomes the
idea and agree to involve in scientific research works, scientific data collections and conservation of
resources in the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, mentioning all the relevant maters put forward some time
based and justifiable recommendations on issues.
Recommendations
45.
Following are the recommendations for MoFL and its other organizations:
a.
MoFL.
(1)
Inclusion of chlorophyll sensors in proposed Bangabondhu Satellite will help to
assess major pelagic resources in Bangladesh marine waters to monitor Tuna and
Hilsha resources.
(2) Comprehensive survey in deeper water of Bangladesh is essential before starting
the deep sea fishing especially for tuna like fishes (Area bounded 19030’ to 210 North
and 890 to 920 East). But it is very expensive and also time consuming too. So that
agreement with IIOE-2 will reduce expense.
22
(3) Membership of Bangladesh in IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission) will reduce
the survey cost and save time. Exploration and exploitation of tuna resources by
Bangladeshi fishing trawlers is possible by obtaining fish school information from IOTC
(if membership been authorized officially), which will be rather cost effective.
b.
DoF.
(1)
Capacity building on surveillance mechanism through training of personnel and
Technical assistance for introducing low cost VMS (Vessel Monitoring and Surveillance)
system.
(2)
Technical assistance for extension of pearl oyster culture technology.
(3)
Technical assistance on breeding technology of commercially important marine
species like; sea bass, grey mullet, crab etc. for expansion of coastal aquaculture and
Mari-culture including cage culture extension program.
(4)
Training on Trawling and Acoustic Survey of Marine fisheries resources for
stock assessment that could also incorporate remote sensing technologies to
supplement the capacity enhancement of DoF technical personnel to cope in
performing research and survey by the newly procured RV Meen Sandhani.
(5)
Technical assistance program to establish Ocean Data Platform including
Research, Survey and Stock Assessment on various species in the Bay of Bengal.
(6)
Technical assistance for fishing of Tuna and Tuna like fishes (long line fishing
and purseine methods).
c.
BFRI.
(1)
Research exchange program with national and international agencies.
(2)
Technology transfer program on the increase of marine fisheries production
through short term and long term training program.
(3)
d.
Technical assistance on low cost research program and research methods.
BFDC.
(1)
Capacity building on fish port operation and management.
(2)
Technical assistance on small-scale fish landing and ice center within remote
coastal areas.
(3)
Technology transfer program to introduce value added products from
underutilized harvest.
e.
MFA.
(1)
Regular knowledge exchange program for Instructors and cadets on
aquaculture, fishing technology, post harvest loss care, fishing vessel operation,
maintenance of fishing vessel equipment.
23
(2)
Technical assistance to introduce various training simulators in MFA with
capacity enhanced program for smooth running the simulators.
(3)
Knowledge exchange and visit program for the Instructors and cadet on
environmental friendly fishing operation.
(4)
Capacity building program for conduct research works on marine fisheries
issues.
(5)
Technical assistants for establishment of a marine live museum in MFA and
assist in capacity building program for live museum operation.
(6)
Technical assistants for establishment of a planetarium in MFA and assist in
capacity building program for operating planetarium.
f.
Public University Related to Maritime Affairs.
(1)
Regular knowledge exchange program for faculty members and research
students on various maritime affairs.
(2)
Initiation of collaborative research program with different agencies of MoFL and
other concerned ministries on different maritime affairs of national interests.
24