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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 2 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 3 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. eZ©gvb Uªjvi en‡i wb‡qvwRZ mKj eUg Uªjvi‡K Awej‡¤^ wgW IqvUvi Uªjv‡i cwieZ©b Ki‡Z n‡e| GLb †_‡K KvV-ewW †Kv‡bv Uªjvi wbg©vY ev Avg`vbxi AbygwZ †`qv n‡e bv| GLb †_‡K cyivZb Uªjv‡ii wecix‡Z bZzb K‡i †Kv‡bv Uªjvi cÖwZ¯’vc‡bi AbygwZ †`qv n‡e bv| e‡½vcmvM‡ii 40 wgUvi MfxiZvi g‡a¨ hv‡Z †Kv‡bv Uªjvi grm¨ AvniY Ki‡Z bv cv‡i †m wel‡q evsjv‡`k †bŠevwnbx I evsjv‡`k †Kv÷MvW© h‡_vchy³ e¨e¯’v MÖnY Ki‡e| evsjv‡`‡ki Rjmxgvq we‡`wk Uªjvi AbycÖ‡ek †iv‡a †bŠ evwnbx, †Kv÷MvW© I mswkøó Ab¨vb¨ evwnbx K‡Vvi bRi`vix eRvq ivL‡e| e‡½vcmvM‡ii gvQ aivq wb‡qvwRZ mKj wdwks Uªjvi I †bŠhvb‡K mvgyw`ªK grm¨ `ßi Aby‡gvw`Z gvQ aivi miÄvg I wbw`©ó duv‡mi gvQ aivi Rvj e¨envi K‡i gvQ AvniY Ki‡Z n‡e| Ab¨_vq evsjv‡`k †bŠevwnbxmn mswkøó Ab¨vb¨ evwnbx AvBbvbyM e¨e¯’v MÖnY Ki‡e| gš¿Yvj‡qi MwVZ gwbUwis KwgwU cÖwZ 3 gvm ci ci m‡iRwg‡b cwi`k©bc~e©K G wel‡q cÖ‡qvRbxq mycvwik cÖ`vb Ki‡e| mvgyw`ªK grm¨ m¤ú‡`i ¯’vwqZ¡kxj Avni‡Yi j‡ÿ¨ AskxRb‡`i gZvg‡Zi wfwˇZ eQ‡ii GKwU wbw`©ó mgqKvj‡K Ôgrm¨ I wPswo AvniY wbwl×KvjÕ †NvlYv Kiv n‡q‡Q| 4 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