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Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics
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Policy Interventions for the Development of the
Blue Economy in Bangladesh
Pierre Failler
University of Portsmouth
M Gulam Hussain
Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign A!airs
Khurshed Alam
Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign A!airs
Ahmad Al Karim
Bangladesh Ministry of A!airs
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Policy Interventions for the Development of the Blue Economy in
Bangladesh
Abstract
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1 INTRODUCTION
Between 2012 and 2014, disputes over maritime boundary with Myanmar and India were
favourably settled for Bangladesh, resulting in the expansion of its territorial waters of more
than 30% and the country received entitlement to 118,813 km2 in the Bay of Bengal. This
achievement offers a wide range of new economic opportunities for jobs & growth around
marine and coastal sectors such as marine fisheries, marine aquaculture, tourism, exploitation
of natural resources, trade and energy. In that regards, the Government of Bangladesh has
initiated, since 2014, discussions with stakeholders in order to adopt the concept of blue
economy across relevant policies and plans. By definition, the blue economy fosters the idea
of exploiting untapped potential of the marine environment using smart solutions and
innovations for increasing food security, improving nutrition and health, alleviating poverty,
creating jobs, lifting trade and industrial profiles while protecting ecosystem health and
biodiversity, and improving regional security and peace.
The document presents the policy interventions that will contribute to impulse the
development of the Blue Economy in Bangladesh. It is conducted through an analysis of the
institutional, commercial and environmental context of a set of selected sectors and the
identification of the major areas of policy intervention in a near future. In that regards, it
complements the document recently resealed entitled “Inputs for the Blue Economy strategy
of Bangladesh” (Failler, Hossain, and Hussain 2018). The identification of the sectors
presented here has been done from August 2016 to July 2018 under the context of the EU-BGD
Joint Collaboration on Blue Economy and more particularly during the national coordination
workshop held in Dhaka on the 30th of June 2018 (Failler and Hussain 2018). The analysis
reflects therefore the point of view of all key stakeholders including practitioners,
entrepreneurs, researchers, academics and representatives of the civil society.
The document is made of 8 sections that present the context and the key policy interventions
for the:
- Fishery management
- Marine Aquaculture development
- Commercial Shipping
- Cruise tourism
- Marine Litter Pollution
- Ecosystem Services of Mangroves
- Blue Biotechnologies Research and Development
- Marine Spatial Planning
These interventions have to be made in parallel of the enhancement of the policy
coordination and the elaboration of an Ocean or Blue Economy Policy required to fully
implement the Blue Economy in Bangladesh.
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2 MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
2.1 Context
In comparison to inland capture and culture fisheries, production of marine capture fisheries is
meagre because almost all of Bangladesh's marine fishing is carried out in shallow and shelf
waters, beyond which no fishing is being currently practiced due to lack of vessel capacity and
appropriate fishing technologies. But under the concept of the blue economy, marine fisheries
and aquaculture are extremely promising. Bangladesh marine fishing sector provides a
relatively small fraction (16%) of its national fisheries production of 3.78 million MT in 2015-
16, it involves over 200 industrial trawlers and more than 67,000 artisanal vessels. To exploit
multi species marine fish resources, numerous fishing gears are used in Bangladesh. Artisanal
small scale fishery contributes 86.8%; i.e. 0.51 million tonnes of the total marine catch, which
includes gill nets, set bag net, seine net, push net, hook and line, trammel net etc. mostly used
for fishing within 10 to 30 meter-depth. Large industrial fishery (Trawl fishery) contributes
14.2%; i.e. 0.084 million tonnes of total marine production. Large trawlers are used for mostly
penaeid shrimps and fin fish fishing within the depth of 40 – 100 meters. Rehabilitation of hilsa
fishery is another important task that requires intervention at the trans -boundary level. At
present 50-60% of global hilsa catch takes place in the coastal and marine waters of
Bangladesh, 20-25% in Myanmar, 15-20% in India and the remaining 5-10% in other countries.
In fact, marine catches are dominated, nearly 50% by one species i.e. hilsa. Fishery production
in the country is confined by the traditional techniques that are used. In particularly for marine
capture fisheries, Bangladesh must come out of the traditional fishing practices and harness the
potentials of moving towards beyond the existing fishing grounds to harvest large pelagic fishes
from deeper zones within 200 nm of Exclusive Economy Zone and even up to the high seas.
In view of doing this, the first important thing is to conduct a thorough survey to accomplish
stock assessment of marine fishes in Bay of Bengal area to explore more new fishing ground(s).
In view of expanding capture fisheries production, the country should adopt appropriate deep-
sea fishing technologies i.e. long line and hook fishing and the utilization of supporting gears
and vessels for harvesting deep-sea species on the profound fishing grounds of the Bay of
Bengal and immediate international waters.
The industrial fleet has been growing in recent years in spite of increasing concern about
the state of the resources. The target fisheries have shifted from shrimp and demersal fish to
small pelagic fish and declining effort on shrimp. The 67,000 artisanal vessels operate from
over 300 landing centres were enumerated recently by the Bangladesh Marine Fisheries
Capacity Building project (BMFCB). This project has also established a land-based survey
programme for catch monitoring for the artisanal sector, collecting data from 32 selected
landing sites. The BMFCB project also managed the procurement of a 38 m research vessel in
2016. The FAO project “Technical support for stock assessment of marine fisheries resources
in Bangladesh” has been providing assistance in establishing the survey programme for the RV
Meen Shandhani through training, equipment and system development. The FAO project is
also providing technical assistance for fisheries monitoring, stock assessment and fisheries
management planning. Building on both the BMFCB project and the FAO TCP, a World Bank
2
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
funded project for Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries in Bangladesh is expected to begin
operations in 2018. It is intended to address governance and fisheries management,
strengthening of coastal communities and livelihoods including co-management, and improved
economic performance. Bangladesh is in the process of establishing fisheries management
information systems to provide the scientific basis for stock assessment and management
advice. The RV Meen Shandhani will provide survey information for shrimp, demersal
fisheries and limited capacity for small pelagic surveys. Improved management information
requires survey both species of economic importance as well as by-catch and unexploited
species to improve knowledge of biodiversity in the marine realm. This knowledge will help
exploring untapped marine fisheries resources for boosting up of blue economy through
increased fish catch. Besides, introduction of coastal aquaculture and mariculture will help
increase fish production and support livelihood of marine fishers’ community. The major
challenges towards sustainable marine fisheries resources include proper implementation of
regulatory measures against fisheries non-compliances, licensing of huge number of
mechanised fishing boats for controlling their effort at sustainable level, efficient monitoring,
controlling and surveillance (MCS) of the industrial and artisanal fishing vessels, climate
changes implications and poor fishers’ livelihood and also engagement of fishers community
to manage the natural resources along with Govt. Agencies.
The lack of implementation and enforcement of management measures leads to a situation
where many opportunities in marine resources development remain untapped. Presently, in
particularly for marine fish stock capture and harvesting a limited number of commercial
trawlers (247 trawlers), huge number of motor drive (32,859 boats) and non-motor drive
(34,810 boats) artisanal boats are engaged in marine and coastal fishing. In particularly the
artisanal fishermen are using different types of net having unregulated mesh size for harvesting
marine small and big fish in the shallow coastal areas. After harvest they mostly separate
medium and large size fish for selling to the local markets and rest of the harvested stocks
consisting of millions of various varieties of tiny marine fish fry and juveniles never release
into the sea waters and dump at the boat bottom chambers and baskets as trash fish. In the
following morning, most of those boats back to the shore and sell all these as trash fish to local
buyers as raw materials for fish and poultry feeds. No regulation and enforcement measures
have yet been undertaken on these issues by the respective ministry/departments. As a result,
marine fish biodiversity is being declining day by day, which is dangerous for future
sustainable management of marine stocks in Bangladesh.
The huge maritime area, shoreline & the coastal waters can be used in a very coordinated
way as they can sustainably contribute to the blue economy on improving socio-economic
development of the coastal population as well national economy The sector-wise interventions
will definitely generate jobs and bring about tangible changes in the lives & livelihood of the
people. In this respect, Govt. departments, research institutions and non-government
organizations (NGOs) should come forward to develop the strategies and plans and implement
those for enhancing marine fisheries and maricultue production in the country. There is also a
lack of stock assessment data and a lack of understanding of deep sea pelagic fisheries that
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Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
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could significantly increase total fishery production, both in terms of volume and value. Thus,
there is significant potential to develop this sector.
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
2.2 Policy Interventions for Marine Fishery Management
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in
charge
Time scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
1
Initiate and complete
appropriate marine
stock assessment
Thorough survey to
accomplish stock
assessment of marine
fishes in Bay of Bengal
area extremely essential.
Appropriate and complete
stock assessment, the
country needs to hire
more advanced and
modern survey vessel, so
that a detailed picture of
marine fish stocks could
be explored.
Due to lack of
implementation and
enforcement of
management measures,
many opportunities in
marine resources
development remain
untapped. No straight
forward planning has yet
been made to declare and
establish specific Marine
Protected Areas (MPA).
Respective
ministries,
departments and
research
institutions along
with interested
private
entrepreneurs
might sit together
for proper
formulation of
strategies, planning
and coordination
for effective
development and
implementation of
marine fisheries
management
1. Marine Stations
of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of
Fisheries
3. Ministry of
Fisheries and
Livestock
2019 –
2030
(approx.)
USD 50
million for
next 10
years
(apprx.)
For capacity
building of
trained and
technical
manpower,
linkage can be
made with
European
countries,
Australia and
Japan.
The respective
ministries,
department and
res. Institutions
in Bangladesh
might initiate
urgently marine
fishery
management
aspects.
2
Trash fish
minimizing and
curtailing
The artisanal fishermen
marine fish harvest of
undesirable size fish
stocks should be regulated
by imposing nets having
desirable mesh sizes at the
shallow coastal waters.
Landing of huge quantity
of trash fish become
serious threat for marine
fish biodiversity and
future sustainable
management of marine
stocks in Bangladesh
Same as above
1. Marine wing of
Department of
Fisheries
2. Ministry of
Fisheries and
Livestock
2019 –
2030
(approx.)
USD 20
million for
next 10
years
(apprx.)
Concerned
ministries and
department
impose
regulation and
enforcement
measures to
minimize and
curtail trash fish
problems
Essential for
restoration of
marine fish
biodiversity to
enhance the
natural stocks
3
Rehabilitation
of hilsa fishery
It is utmost important to
rehabilitation of hilsa
fishery in the Bay of
Bengal and adjacent river
systems where hilsa
stocks migrate during
breeding season.
Not yet attempted
seriously
Need to initiate
immediately
1. Riverine Station
of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of
Fisheries
3. Ministry of
Fisheries and
Livestock
2019 –
2030
(approx.)
USD 40
million for
next 10
years
Both public and
private sector
might initiate
jointly
Essential for
enhancing hilsa
production
4
Management of
gravid mother tiger
shrimp
Management of gravid
mother shrimp by
developing strategy,
regulate and control
harvesting enable to have
Not yet attempted
seriously
Need to initiate
immediately
1. Brackish water
Station of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of
Fisheries
2019 –
2030
(approx.)
USD 30
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Shrimp
production will
be increased to
support export to
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Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
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Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in
charge
Time scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
good breeding stock for
shrimp hatcheries for
quality seed production.
3. Institute of
Marine Sciences
and Fisheries, CU
international
market
6
Exploration of new
fishing grounds
In exploring new fishing
grounds should enable to
identify new marine
stocks and assist to
diversify new fishing
areas to avert risks
associated with
overfishing of certain fish
stocks.
Not yet attempted
seriously
Need to initiate
immediately
1. Marine Stations
of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of
Fisheries
3. Ministry of
Fisheries and
Livestock
2019 –
2030
(approx.)
USD 40
million for
next 10
years
Mostly Govt.
department and
ministries to be
active
Important for
marine fishery
resource
management
6
Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, Vol. 6, Iss. 2 [2019], Art. 11
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
3 MARINE AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT
3.1 Context
Aquaculture industry backs the country’s economy with increasing production capacity and
high export opportunities. As already mentioned presently, two types of aquaculture are being
practiced by the country such as, freshwater and coastal aquaculture. There is no marine
aquaculture currently practiced in the country. Freshwater aquaculture is mainly comprised of
ponds and other closed fresh water bodies oriented mostly farming of carps, pangas, live fish
(Asian catfishes and perches) and tilapias and coastal aquaculture is mainly comprised of
shrimp and prawn farming in the ghers (coastal ponds or enclosures). In Bangladesh,
aquaculture production systems are mainly extensive and improved extensive, with some semi-
intensive, and intensive systems, in very few cases. Marine aquaculture is demarcated as the
establishment of man-made enclosures to raise marine aquatic life, such as shellfish, finfish &
sea weeds for the human consumption purposes. There have been limited attempts to promote
mariculture in Bangladesh over the last 40 years. Bangladesh is still lagging behind other
countries of South East Asia; viz. China, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam. But, there are
enormous opportunities for marine aquaculture of both brackish (tiger shrimp, Penaeus
monodon; mud carb, Scylla serrata and marine (Sea bass, Lates calcarifer, Grey mullet, Mugil
cephalus, Green back mullet, Chelon subviridis, Pomfret, Pampus argenteus, Hilsa, Tenualosa
ilisha, saline tolerant tilapia etc.) fish species aquaculture as well as opportunities exists also
for marine aquaculture of non-traditional marine species like seaweed, macro algae, shellfish
(ie. mussel, oyster etc.), sea urchin, sea cucumber etc.
In Asia Pacific region, the countries viz. China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan Province of
China, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam is making headway in finfish mariculture using
hatchery produced seeds and formulated feeds. Lessons can be learned from these countries
and under the concept of blue economy development of the government. Bangladesh might
initiate urgently marine aquaculture farming with the available and identified finfish, shellfish
and non-traditional species (mentioned above). Respective ministries, departments and
research institutions along with interested private entrepreneurs might sit together for proper
formulation of strategies, planning and coordination for effective development and
implementation of marine aquaculture farming in the coast, near shore and offshore areas of
the country.
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Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
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3.2 Policy Interventions for Marine Aquaculture Development
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to be
implemented
Additional
comments
1
Seabass breeding
and farming
Artificial breeding and mass
seed production in might
enhance mariculture
No seabass
hatchery and
nursery facilities
yet been
developed
Lessons to be
learned from
neighbouring
countries
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of Fisheries
2019 –
2030
USD 4.0
million for
next 10 years
Through bilateral
collaborations with
public and private
sector institutions
Marine farming
in the coast, near
shore and
offshore areas
2
Hilsa shad
offshore cage
culture
The hilsa shad (Tenualosa
ilisha), cage culture
promising approach
Natural calamities
Same as above
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of Fisheries
3. Institute of Marine
Sciences and Fisheries,
CU
2019 –
2030
USD 5.0
million for
next 10 years
BFRI, Department
of Fisheries,
Chittagong Univ.
can work together
Offshore cages
will be suitable
3
Mullet breeding
and culture
Artificial breeding and mass
seed production in might
enhance mariculture
No mullet
hatchery and
nursery facilities
yet been
developed
Same as above
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Institute of Marine
Sciences and Fisheries,
CU
3. Technology Discipline,
Life Science School,
Khulna University
2019 –
2030
USD 4.0
million for
next 10 years
BFRI, Department
of Fisheries,
Chittagong Univ.
can work together
Marine farming
in the coast, near
shore areas
4
Marine shrimp
broodstock
domestication and
SPF seed
production and
farming
Domestication of tiger
shrimp broodstock in the
selected shrimp hatcheries
and selective breeding
techniques can be adopted
in Cox’s Bazar and other
shrimp farming areas
including SPF seed
production
No attempt has
yet been
undertaken
Same as above
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of Fisheries
2019 –
2030
USD 4.0
million for
next 10 years
BFRI, Department
of Fisheries,
Chittagong Univ.
can work together
Initiative is
promising and
important
5
Mud crab
breeding and soft
shell crab farming
Soft shell carb farming has
recently attracted attention
of entrepreneurs in
Shamnagar, Shatkhira,
Moheshkkali and Cox’s
Bazar regions.
Natural seeds
being used, no
hatcheries yet
developed
Same as above
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of Fisheries
3. Institute of Marine
Sciences and Fisheries,
University of Chittagong
2019 –
2030
USD 4.0
million for
next 10 years
BFRI, Department
of Fisheries,
Chittagong Univ.
can work together
Same as above
8
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to be
implemented
Additional
comments
6
Seaweed
mariculture
Good opportunity for
seaweed development and
culture in the coastal areas
of Bangladesh. Seaweed has
classic
No scientific
attempt has yet
been undertaken
Same as above
1. Brackishwater and
Marine Stations of BFRI
2. Marine wing of
Department of Fisheries
3. Institute of Marine
Sciences and Fisheries,
University of Chittagong
2019 –
2030
USD 4.0
million for
next 10 years
For seaweed
culture, research
institutions of
South Korea and
Japan need to be
contacted.
Seaweed could
be used as
human food
unlike Japan and
Korea
9
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10
Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, Vol. 6, Iss. 2 [2019], Art. 11
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
4 COMMERCIAL SHIPPING
4.1 Context
Shipping is by far a cheapest, most cost effective and efficient mode of transportation system.
Over 90% by volume of world trade is transported through seaborne transportation. Shipping
industry thus directly contributes to the growth of world GDP. Besides the industry creates
employment generations both shore and on board and also directly contribute to the national
economy towards the socio-economic developments. Shipping in Bangladesh has been
practicing over few decades and Bangladesh being a developing country there has been a
continuous development in the trade growth especially in the RMG sectors. A 77B $ worth of
trade has been registered in 2016-17 where 43B $ of Import & 34B $ of Export. Of this total
volume of trade over 98% is seaborne which is handled by 3 major sea port in Bangladesh.
However, Chittagong port takes the major market share compared to Mongla and newly
incepted Pyra port. Needless to mention with the growing demand both Chittagong and Mongla
port is limited with channel draft where most of the handy size bulk with over 9M draft is
handled at around outer and Kutubdia anchorage. On the other hand, due to economies of scale
and merging mega liners the trending sizes of ships are getting bigger and bigger where the
port capacities are not capable to accommodate such bigger vessels.
The projected shipping growth in Bangladesh suggest that by 2043 Bangladesh will handle
more than 124 Mil tonnes of cargo of which 14Mil Tues and by 2019 Chittagong port will
reach 2.79Mil Tues club (a strategic study by ADB in 2015). In this circumstances the
expansion of port facilities and to increase the number of national fleets is time demanding.
Considering the facts Chittagong port alone has taken various mega initiatives along the coast
to expand the port area in different strategic locations with sector wise SEZ like Oil & Gas,
Bay terminal, Coal based mega port, Patenga container terminal, Laldia container terminal etc.
On the other hand, Chittagong port can play a pivotal role for the transit of the landlocked
provinces of the neighbouring countries. Nevertheless. there are various other challenges need
to be addressed through developments of Road, Rail and Riverine connectivity to get the
maximum benefits of the ocean use through commercial shipping. Through the workshop a
number of comprehensive other recommendations were drawn to facilitate the formulations of
integrated Ocean Policy.
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Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
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4.2 Policy Interventions for Commercial Shipping Development
Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to
be taken
Institution in
charge
Time scale
Estimated Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
1
Integrated shipping
policy
Bangladesh yet does
not have an Ocean
policy: which is need of
the time
Not much
emphasis were
given in the
time but
however to get
the maximum
benefits of the
ocean resources
a
comprehensive
ocean policy is
a top priority
Formulation
of a
pragmatic
ocean policy
An exclusive
government agency
under direct
supervision of
PMO
Immediate
Government of
Bangladesh/Donor
Ngo’s/donor
agencies
Executing agency
could be different
2
Expansion of port
facility
Expanding trade growth
suggest that a numerous
steps need to be taken
to accommodate
trending business
Not only the
government
steps but
private
entrepreneur
need to be
encouraged
Offer private
participation
Relevant
government agency
Short,
medium and
long term
Both Government of
Bangladesh and
private investors
PPP deals
Govt. Monitoring cell
with target goals
3
Expansion of
national/ flag vessel
Trade volume suggest
that a good amount of
cargo may have been
lifted through
national/flag vessel.
Foreign reserve could
be saved
Due to multiple
tax regime
local ship
owners are
discouraged to
invest for new
fleets
Introduction
of tax
holiday/
incentives
NBR and relevant
government
agencies
Immediate
For national shipping
(Government of
Bangladesh) and for
private bank loans
To some extent
national shipping
may include
private
participation in
operation and
management
Single digit loans with
reasonable timeframe
may be given for
investors
4
Infrastructure
Developments
Expansion maritime
clusters with logistics
support may grab the
opportunity for trade
growth
Efficient
handling of
ports result in
deficiencies in
turnaround
time
Adequate
logistics
need to be
procured
with
development
of skill
manpower
Relevant
ministry/govt.
Agencies/Ports
Short/medium
/long term
planning
Both Government of
Bangladesh and
Private
Participation of
private
entrepreneurship
Investment//financing
through banking
channels
5
HRD
Utilization of skill/semi
skill manpower through
employment
generations
No such
research and
development
done in the past
Adequate
manpower
development
through
education
and research
Relevant
ministries/maritime
training institutes
Utilization of
exiting
maritime
training
facilities in
the field of
Research and
developments
Government of
Bangladesh /Donor
agencies
Research fund
through donor
agencies
Re-naming with
designated training of
the existing facilities
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Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to
be taken
Institution in
charge
Time scale
Estimated Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
6
Sub Regional Hub
Bangladesh ports can
be utilized as sub
regional hubs for the
neighbouring land
locked
countries/provinces
Expansion of
transit trade
between
Bangladesh and
India
Adequate
coastal trade
fleets need
to be
deployed
Relevant ministries
Expansion of
bi lateral
agreements
between the
countries
Government of
Bangladesh /Private
entrepreneurship
National coastal
fleets/cabotage
trade
MOU between the
countries for mutual
trade benefits
7
Road/Rail/River
Bottlenecks
Existing linkage
insufficient to
accommodate the trade
prospects
Designated
highways/railw
ay linkage and
riverine
passage need to
be expanded
through
infrastructure
development
plans
Port
congestions
Relevant ministries
Short/Medium
/long term
planning
Government of
Bangladesh
/DONOR/Private
participation
PPP may be
encouraged
More ICT/Off
Docks/SEZ need to be
introduce to reduce
the port congestions
8
Good governance &
Co ordinations
between the
agencies/major stake
holders
Good governance and
monitoring will
enhance the image of
the country in the
shipping industry
Lack of
coordination
between the
stake holders
Time Delay
Relevant
government
agencies
Pragmatic
shipping
policy
Government of
Bangladesh
A maritime ONE
Stop Service
may be
introduced
Strengthening
shipping ministry and
DOS with adequate
manpower of relevant
knowledge
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5 CRUISE TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES
5.1 Context
Global cruise tourism started as a destination for elite, exotic, even opulent adventurers. It
maintains an image of grandness of pleasure and place. It has become a favorite destination for
millions of travelers. It has become one of the fastest growing destinations of global travel and
tourism. It is making it possible for travelers to have all of their wishes fulfilled. It offers more
choices for travelers at once than most likely any other destination. It is a destination that is
making special efforts to take the hassle out of international travel experiences. For over 20
million travelers in 2014, it was the perfect travel destination. Yes, it is not actually a
destination at all. Not in the classical `place on a map` sense. Instead it is a place that moves
from place to place, taking with it travellers making it a second home, for a short while. And it
is set to be charting the way for tourism, for the next decade. Taking the advantage of strong
tailwinds, today, global cruise travel represents one of the fastest growing sub- segments within
the greater travel and tourism industry. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which
represents over sixty member lines, has 2014 projections reaching an estimated 21.7 million
guests worldwide across its membership base. Continued growth of the segment has made it
necessary to bring an additional 24 new ships onto the seas in the 2014-2015 period, which
equates to an estimated US$8 billion ocean and river cruise categories. The leading cruise
destination in terms of deployments remains the Caribbean, accounting for 37.3 per cent of all
global itineraries followed by the Mediterranean (18.9 per cent), Northern Europe (11.1per
cent), Australia/New Zealand (5.9 per cent), Alaska (4.5 per cent), Asia (4.4 per cent) and
South America 3.3 per cent). In 2014, markets experiencing increased ship deployments
include the Caribbean (+12 per cent) Northern Europe (+5.2 per cent), Asia (+31.6 per cent)
and Australasia at +22 per cent.”
Cruise tourism acts as another valuable proposition bringing the people of the world closer
together through connection of wishes and waterways. Bangladesh is the only country in the
region, which this far remained out of cruise map. So, impending cruise seems to be very
important for the future of cruise tourism in Bangladesh. If Bangladesh can extend quality and
efficient immigration, Customs and other services, to the tourist onboard, that will be good for
the expansion of the industry. Efficient handling of the whole operating will encourage Cruise
Lines to expand its operating to include Bangladesh in theirs itinerary. As per the regional
Cruise ship scenario, there are approximately 45 cruise ships (different sizes and capacity) that
are scheduled to come through the west coast of India (October to April). The main ports in
India that they visit are Mumbai, Goa and Cochin. There are just a couple of cruise ships doing
the east coast. Unfortunately, the bigger ships do Srilanka and proceed directly to Yangon.
American based Silver Sea cruise will operate 3 sailings in 2019 to Bangladesh- One in January
and another 02 in February: covering Sunderbans, Maheshkali and St. Martin Island.
Cruise Tourism can play an important role in boosting tourism sector that can directly
impact of a country`s blue economic development. Bangladesh poised to enter global ocean
cruise map, ushers in new era in tourism industry. Cruise tourism acts as another valuable travel
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proposition bringing the people of the world closer together through connection of wishes and
waterways. Bangladesh was the only country of the region- which this far remained out of
cruise map. Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea made history with the first-ever cruise
ship call to Bangladesh territory on 22 February 2017- when Silver Discoverer visited
Maheshkhali island and largest mangrove forest Sundarbans. If we consider the economic
benefit, we found that, approx. BDT 65 lacs ($81,000) foreign exchange earned through this
operation. They are: On arrival visa fees: BDT 5.25 lacs ($6,500), Logistics: BDT 20 lacs
$25,000), Sundarban forest permission & fees: BDT 15 lacs ($18,750), Expenses at
Maheskhali island: BDT 10 lacs ($12,500) (120 Tuk-Tuk hire, 24 Speed Boat, 200 Green
coconuts, 200 chips etc.) There are some community benefits through this operation as well.
They buy Local Handicraft: BDT 5 lac ($6,250- in 4 hrs), Primary School donation: BDT 3 lac
($3,750). The donation includes: Sports items like Cricket bat, pad, ball, wicket, Badminton,
etc.
But for the smooth operations, we need one stop service provider. At our visa policy Sea
port should be included with the Airport and Land port. The authority should ensure on arrival
visa at Cruise ship, ensure on board immigration at Cruise ship, ensure on board Customs
formalities at Cruise ship, enhance port facilities for jetties, fenders, berthing and special take
care of International Cruise ship. A monitoring cell should be introduced. We suggest,
Bangladesh Tourism Board should be the focal point. Security is the most concern for foreign
tourists. So, Home Ministry should be more co-operative and active. Tourist Police & District
Police should work jointly. Other security agencies co-ordinate each other. But most
importantly, Foreign Ministry should take the lead for the promotion and marketing and
positioning Bangladesh as an International cruise destination.
If Bangladesh can extend quality and efficient Immigration, customs and other services to
the tourists on board, that will be good for the expansion of existing tourism industry of
Bangladesh and enhance the Cruise tourism opportunities in the country.
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5.2 Policy Interventions for Cruise Tourism
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in
charge
Time scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to be
implemented
Additional
comments
Very high and
promising
Immigration and
Customs.
Visa policy
should be
amended
including
Seaport along
with Airport and
Land port.
Economic benefit and
community benefit and
involvement is essential.
Lack of co-
ordination among
ministries /
Departments. One
stop service
provider needed
and that Should be
Bangladesh
Tourism Board.
Visa policy
needed to be
amended. Sea
port should be
included.
Home Ministry
Shipping ministry
Forest ministry
Customs Dept.
3 months
-
Ministry of
Tourism and Tour
Operators
Government
should come
forward and
enhance the all
possible support
to implement the
policy and
facilities.
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6 MARINE LITTER IN THE BAY OF BENGAL
6.1 Context
Plastic in the Bay of Bengal is known to have serious negative impacts on marine resources
and fisheries, as well as on the use of coastal areas for tourism. It is of the utmost importance
to minimize these impacts. Lack of co-ordination among ministries/division and NGOs and
private sectors, absence of a dedicated agency to exploit the opportunity of Blue Economy and
having no system in place to make consumers and industries responsible for the final deposition
of plastic are identified as major constraints of reducing plastics and fisheries waste from the
bay. Government/authorities can put taxes on single-use plastic items. Financial incentives to
buy more environmentally friendly fishing and/or some kind of deposit-refund system can be
very effective to tackle waste from plastics. Reducing future dumping of plastic into the bay
can be achieved by raising awareness amongst the fishermen and coastal communities.
Microplastics/Microbeads are not picked up by sewage treatment plants and thus there is
no system in place to avoid those ending up in the oceans. Micro-beads in consumer goods are
often unnecessary as well as the fact that natural substitutes do already exist so the phasing out
should not be complicated. Consumerism, lack of consumer awareness, not paying for the
environmental cost of products containing microplastics by the consumers are identified as
major constraints of reducing microplastic pollution from the bay. Government/authorities can
ban microplastics in consumer goods, raising awareness amongst the consumers and educate
people can be the key to reduce microplastics pollution from the bay.
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6.2 Policy Interventions for Marine Litter Pollution
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be
implemented
Additional
comments
Very high
Reducing
plastic and
fisheries waste
Plastic in the Bay of Bengal
is known to have serious
negative impacts on marine
resources and fisheries, as
well as on the use of coastal
areas for tourism. It is of the
utmost importance to
minimize these impacts.
Lack of co-ordination
among
ministries/division and
NGOs and private
sectors, absence of a
dedicated agency to
exploit the opportunity
of Blue Economy and
there is no system in
place to make
consumers and
industries responsible
for the final deposition
of plastic.
Put taxes on single-
use plastic items
Financial
incentives to buy
more
environmentally
friendly fishing
and/or some kind
of deposit-refund
system to tackle
waste from
plastics.
Government
Government/authority
2019-2025
200 million
USD
Ministry and
Environment,
NGO and large
international
organisations
Environmental
and social costs
need to be
included in
pricing
Most likely an
effective way to
get back part of
the plastic waste
otherwise ending
up in the marine
environment
Very high
Reducing
microplastics
from consumer
goods
Microbeads/microplastics are
not picked up by sewage
treatment plants and thus
there is no system in place to
avoid those ending up in the
oceans.
Microbeads in consumer
goods are often unnecessary
as well as the fact that natural
substitutes do already exist so
the phasing out should not be
complicated.
▪ Consumerism.
▪ Lack of
consumer
awareness.
▪ Consumer’s
don’t pay for the
environmental
cost of products
containing
microplastics
Ban microplastics
in consumer goods
Educate and aware
people
Government/authority
Government, NGO‘s,
industries
2019-2030
40 million
USD
Authorities.
Industries and
consumers
Education and
awareness is the
base for action
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7 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF MANGROVES FOR RESILIENT
LIVELIHOODS
7.1 Context
Being the world’s largest dynamic delta Bangladesh’s topography is extremely flat and most
of the country lies below 10 m sea level. The delta has experienced two dramatic land use
change in the recent past including the construction of polders in the 60-70s and the advent of
export-oriented shrimp farming in the 80s.
Polders were built to protect coastal area against tidal floods and salinity intrusion to boost
rice yield and also to protect coastal land from periodic cyclones that affected the lives and
livelihoods of the coastal community. Apart from boosting rice production, polders protected
the coast from normal cyclones but destroyed the natural hydrodynamic regime resulting in
rapid siltation in the river beds. This ultimately affected rice production defying the purpose
for which polders were actually built and farmers shifted to more lucrative shrimp culture
practice because of increasing international demand for seafood and because of government’s
favorable policy shift at the same time. Shrimp sub-sector, nowadays, plays a central role in
the fisheries sector of Bangladesh by providing employment and export earnings. However,
the question is whether this economic gain is at the expense of lost ecosystem connectivity or
not.
Quite often shrimp culture is linked to destruction of mangroves. However, historical data
suggest that except the Chakaria Sunderbans, no mangroves were cleared for shrimp culture.
Shrimp culture took place in abandoned and waterlogged rice fields where mangroves had
already been cleared to bring more area under rice culture. Nevertheless, mangroves are very
important ecosystem that provide many ecosystem services to coastal communities. ES is
nothing but the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being.
Provisioning services are the one we can count, measure in easy economic terms. But many
other services are apparently difficult to measure. It is easy to understand timber, forest
products, fish catch but carbon storage, water quality, climate regulation, flood regulation all
are different services that mangrove ecosystem services can provide.
Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services but fish also provide different ecosystem
services in addition to protein and cash from sale. For example, oyster provides shore line
protection, mud crab provides sediment deposition, oyster, mussel provides water quality
purification services apart from their direct economic values as cash crop. However, most of
these ecosystem services derived from fish are in fact dependent on the health of the ecosystem
they are part of. Mangrove trees support periphyton, soils support benthos and waters support
growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Leaves and woody matter are decomposed into
palatable fragments for fish by microoganisms and crabs. Mangroves also provide nutrients in
the form of dissolved organic carbon, and living biomass, such as planktonic larvae of fish and
invertebrates to consume by juvenile and adult fish. Roots, trunks provide structures for oysters
to grow on. Roots trap fine particles, create soft soils ideal for molluscs and crustaceans to
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burrow in. Provide shelter for many species, enabling them to avoid predation and also invest
more time in feeding.
Given the enormous potential that the new maritime boundary can offer Bangladesh should
have a robust plan with different sectors and prioritize the activities. Since the concept of Blue
Economy is subject to multiple interpretations of the sectors and coverage of activities
depending on a country’s socioeconomic development needs, at first Bangladesh should have
an unambiguous operational definition of Blue Economy. To do so, ecosystem service
assessment of the coast and the ocean of the country with a particular focus on the ESS of the
Sunderbans mangrove forest should be undertaken on a priority basis. Bangladesh lags far
behind the other maritime nations in assessing the ecosystem services. The concept is
universally accepted but the methodology is not an easy task even for the developed countries.
However, the country has an excellent repertoire of experts in different universities of the
country and with some structural collaboration with international institutes and organizations
Bangladesh can easily materialize this.
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7.2 Ecosystem Services of Mangroves
Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be taken
Institution in
charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
1
Ecosystem Services
assessment of the
Sunderbans
The opportunities of
mangroves are
multifaceted. Sustainable
timber, fisheries and other
aquaculture products
provide multiple benefits
in terms of income
generation, protein supply
and establishment of
ecotourism. Studies show
that fish production is
high where there are
mangroves with
functioning ESS.
Ecosystem Service
valuation is a tedious and
costly endeavour and
apparently fall within the
domain of academia.
Therefore, policy makers
and donors are reluctant to
fund in projects of such
academic nature. Besides,
the efforts need
international scientific
collaboration which is
difficult for individual
materialize.
Seed fund
immediately to
design a research
program
incorporating
national and
international experts
from renowned
maritime
universities of the
world and fund for a
large-scale project
to undertake the
ESS assessment of
mangroves
Khulna University
through Ministry
of Education
2-3 years
BDT 1.2
million USD
approx.
Ministry of
Environment and
Universities
-
2
Linking community
to Sunderbans
conservation
approaches
Life and livelihood of so
many adjacent people
depend on the resources
offered by the
Sunderbans. Without their
active involvement it is
impossible to implement
any conservation attempt.
If communities see the
values they will motivate
to conserve the resources
for their own benefits.
The major problem is
understanding how do
community extract
mangrove resources on a
sustainable basis without
exhaustion; how best can
the resources be utilized
for value addition so that
community members can
be involved without
directly going into the
forest; lack of appropriate
policy for community
engagement in research
and development;
conservation efforts are
top down without
considering the
community need
Identify the
resource base and
resource extraction
pattern of the
community;
Prepare detail
community maps;
Prepare detail value
chain map;
Identify entry points
for intervention;
Pilot project to
showcase best
practices
Department of
Forest
Department of
Fisheries
2-3 years
Ministry of
Environment,
NGOs and
Universities
-
3
Promotion of
Slivoaquaculture to
restore mangrove
based ES
Current monoculture
based shrimp farming
lacks a development
framework. Subsidence
and effects of climate
change threaten the
already fragile ecosystem;
Coastal polders are not
Land subsidence,
sediment management,
change in salinity regime,
loss of biodiversity and
disease progression are
the major constraints that
make the current
monoculture practice of
Action research
with coastal farmers
to identify the best
landscape planning
options, change in
policy including
channelling export
subsidy to promote
Department of
Fisheries
Water
Development
Board
3-5 years
Ministry of
Environment,
Ministry of
Fishery, BFRI
and Universities
-
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Priority
Name
Opportunity description
Constraints
Actions to be taken
Institution in
charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
resilient, nor tuned to
present land use and
future threats. By
integrating mangroves in
the existing lad use pattern
it is thought that not only
shrimp production will
increase but also the
shrimp farms will be able
to accommodate sediment
management and
restoration of ESS to
make coastal livelihoods
more resilient
shrimp unsustainable.
Integrating mangroves in
shrimp culture through a
redesigned and changed
landscape will address
most of these problems.
mangrove based
silvo-aquaculture in
coastal areas, inject
public money to
excavate canals and
rivers to address
sediment
management
problem, promote
tidal river
management.
Establish mangrove
tree nurseries in
public and private
sectors and provide
incentive to farmers
to plant
4
Integrating
Ecosystem Services
into Coastal Town
Planning
Identification of potential
resources; Contribution to
national economic
development; Optimum
utilization of maritime
resources
Lack of institutional
hierarchy;
Lack of coordination
among the institutes,
sectors, major
stakeholders; Coastal
embankments/polders
Training and
capacity building of
city planners on ES
integration;
Change in policy to
integrate ES in city
planning;
Planning approval
requires ecosystem
assessment
Town development
authorities;
Public Works
Department
3-5 years
Ministry of
Planning, local
authorities and
universities
-
5
Blue carbon trading
Diversified flora having at
least 10 times higher
carbon sequestration rate.
Carbon trading provides
incentives for
conservation that will
ultimately enrich ES
Lack of research and
policy initiative to
understand and promote
carbon trading
Carbon stock
assessment for the
Sunderbans;
Initiative to list into
carbon finance
mechanism;
Feasibility study of
social forestry for
carbon trading
Department of
Forest
Department of
Environment
3-5 yrs
Ministry of
Environment,
Climate Change
Cell and
universities
-
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8 BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
8.1 Context
Biotechnology comprises a broad spectrum of scientific applications that use biological
systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof to make or modify products or to improve
plants, fish/animals or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. Since 18th century
onwards, significant achievements have been made for development and application of
biotechnological techniques for the production of antibiotics, vaccines and enzymes and
development of new improved fish/animal breeds and plant varieties. Biotechnology has
already made significant contributions to the welfare of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and
other sectors, and the modern frontier technique such as gene-based biotechnology proved to
be rewarding for mankind. In regard to broad areas of impact and application, four major
biotechnological braches are i) Green biotechnology; ii) Red biotechnology; iii) Blue
biotechnology and iv) White biotechnology. At present, as many coastal countries are
conceptualizing the attention towards the development of ocean based blue economy, so among
a number of identified economic sectors, marine or blue biotechnology has become
predominant. By definition, blue (marine) biotechnology is the use of living marine resources
at ecosystem, concept, and organism at molecular level to provide beneficial solutions for the
society.
In considering the diversity of marine living resources, oceans are considered as a unique
reservoir for a wide variety of potentially useful molecules. Due to difficulties associated with
accessing to those resources, such marine molecules remained largely unexploited.(Arrieta,
Arnaud-Haond, and Duarte 2010) But in recent decades, as a result of advances in
oceanographic technologies, human access to remote parts of the ocean has greatly contributed
towards an exponential increase in the use of marine molecules or sequences of nucleic acids
extracted from marine living organisms in a variety of biotechnological fields and used those
in a range of applications including human health, food, energy, aquaculture, cosmetics,
industries, bioremediation and marine environmental services (Leal et al. 2012). Blue
biotechnology is used to contribute on the sub-sectors like those, where the proportion of
stakeholders in the field of health (24%); food (16%); aquaculture (11%); cosmetics (18%);
marine environmental health (19%); energy (4%) and industries (8%). Intensive research on
marine biotechnology so far contributed many potential products and services, which could be
used in many areas of identified sub-sectors. Among these products, i) In heath sub-sector:
Pharmaceuticals and biomaterials are utilized for developing anti-cancer drugs, novel
antibiotics, wound dressing, medical polymers etc.; ii) In food sub-sector: Functional foods and
marine food products are useful for peribiotics, Omega-3 supplements, food jelly, foaming
agents etc.; iii) in aquaculture sub-sector: Genetically improved strains, algae oils & pigments
in feed are derived as quality fish seed, feed, disease treatment and aquaculture system
development; iv) in energy sub-sector: Renewable Energy (from macro & micro algae);
microbial oil recovery products are used for bioethanol, biofuel from seaweed. sugars & fats
from microalage, oil recovery etc.; v) in cosmetic sub-sector: Functional Ingredients, marine
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oysters product and other raw materials are utilized for UV-filter, protects for sun burn &
cosmetics from marine pearls etc.; vi) in marine environmental sub-sector: Bioremediation,
De-pollution, Antifouling agents are being used for removal of toxic & dye materials; reduce
drag & fuel from sea etc.; vii) in industries sub-sector: Bio-adhesives and bio-refinery products
are useful for making feed for fish/animal, biodiesel etc.
Blue biotechnology a novel area of biotechnology, where research institutes of various
potential sectors and universities are fundamental Center of Excellence to conduct high tech
research using molecular tools and techniques for developing new marine aquaculture/animal
species, new pharmaceutical drugs/medicines for controlling human cancer and inhibition of
arthritis due to failure of immune system, biomaterials, production of bio-ethanol, bio-fuel and
bio-diesel from macro algae (eg. Red seaweed) and micro algae (green algae and
cyanobacteria) and extracting valuable cosmetics from marine pearls. Obviously these
biotechnologically derived improved strains and products have multi-various application to all
the aforementioned sub-sectors. Moreover, molecular and nuclear based isotope signature
technologies could also be developed and applied for detection of trans-boundary sea fish/food
products. Both classical and molecular biotechnological tools and technologies have already
been used successfully in the field of agriculture, aquaculture, medicines and industries in
Bangladesh and other costal countries of Asia Pacific region. There are great opportunities that
lessons could be learned from terrestrial biotechnology to apply and utilize marine or blue
biotechnology in our huge marine bio-resources under the concept of recent ocean economy or
blue economy. Blue biotechnology sector is not yet fulfilling its true potential in European
Union and other regions of the world. Globally weak coordination between public research
institutions and investors due to low number of clusters compared to other blue economy
sectors are the main constraints. In particularly for Bangladesh it is a novel area of research, so
strong coordination between/among public & private sectors institutions, research institutes &
universities are extremely required. For such high tech research strong collaboration &
technical assistance required from international donor agencies.
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
8.2 Policy Interventions for Blue Biotechnology Research and Development
Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to be taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be
implemented
Additional comments
1
Marine
capture
fisheries
Characterization/gene
mapping, gene
sequencing of
commercially important
marine species using
molecular/SNP
Markers. Determination
of population structure of
selected marine stocks to
be addressed; Post-
harvest quality
assessment and product
development of marine
fish; shrimp and crabs
can be conducted.
1. Lack of
understanding and
initiatives yet among
public research
institutions and
universities
2. Lack of adequate
technical
manpower/expertise
and funds for blue
biotechnology research
and development in
the public research
institutions and
universities.
In particularly for
Bangladesh it is a
novel area of
research, so strong
coordination
between/among
public & private
sectors institutions,
research institutes &
universities
1. Maritime Affairs Unit,
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
2. Marine Wing of
Department of Fisheries
3. Marine Station of
Bangladesh Fisheries
Research Institute
4. Department of Fish
Genetics and Biology,
Faculty of Fisheries,
Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh,
2019 –
2030
USD 12
million for
next 10
years
Overseas
Universities
and Research
Institutions:
1. Marine
Environmental
Sciences
Laboratory,
Brest, France
2.
TECHNOPOL
E BREST-
IROISE
PlleMer
Bretagne
Atlantique
Plouzane,
Brest, France
Blue biotechnology a
novel area of
biotechnology for
welfare of many sub-
sectors of blue
economy
2
Marine
aquaculture
Genetically improved
strains, algae oils &
pigments in feed can be
derived as quality fish
seed including feed,
disease treatment and
aquaculture system
development.
Same as above
Same as above
1. Marine Station of
Bangladesh Fisheries
Research Institute
2. Department of Fish
Genetics and Biology,
Faculty of Fisheries,
Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh,
Same as
above
USD 12
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Extremely important
for mariculture
3
Sea weed and
other non-
traditional
products
Development of some
useful chemicals like
agar, carrageenan;
alginates etc. and
therapeutic agents from
seaweed and similar
micro algae.
Development of
chemicals and
pharmaceuticals can be
produced from sea
cucumber and sea
urchin.
Same as above
Same as above
1. Marine Station of
Bangladesh Fisheries
Research Institute
2. Department of Fish
Genetics and Biology,
Faculty of Fisheries,
Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh,
Same as
above
USD 10
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Extremely important
for marine product
development
25
Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
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Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to be taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be
implemented
Additional comments
4
Human health
care
In case of Human health
care: Pharmaceuticals
and biomaterials can be
utilized for developing
anti-cancer drugs, novel
antibiotics, wound
dressing, medical
polymers etc.
Same as above
Same as above
1. National
Biotechnology Institute
(NBI), Shavar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
2. Bangladesh
Oceanography Research
Institute
Same as
above
USD 10
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Extremely important
for marine product
development
5
Food and
nutrition
In case of Food and
nutrition: Functional
foods and marine food
products can be useful
for peribiotics, Omega-3
supplements, food jelly,
foaming agents etc.
Same as above
Same as above
1. National
Biotechnology Institute
(NBI), Shavar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
2. Bangladesh
Oceanography Research
Institute
3. Biotechnology
Department, Dhaka
University
Same as
above
USD 12
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Extremely important
for marine food and
nutrition
6
Marine
environment
and energy
Bioremediation, De-
pollution, antifouling
agents can be utilized for
removal of toxic & dye
materials; reduce drug
& fuel from sea etc. On
the other hand,
renewable energy (from
macro & micro algae);
microbial oil recovery
products can be used for
bioethanol, biofuel from
seaweed. sugars & fats
from micro-algae, oil
recovery etc.;
Same as above
Same as above
1. Maritime Affairs Unit,
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
2. Blue Economy Cell,
Energy and Mineral
Resources Division,
Ministry of Power,
Energy and Mineral
Resources
3. National
Biotechnology Institute
(NBI), Shavar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Same as
above
USD 10
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Important for biofuel
and renewable energy
7
Marine
industries
Bio-adhesives and bio-
refinery products can be
useful for making feed
for fish/animal, biodiesel
etc.
Same as above
1. National
Biotechnology Institute
(NBI), Shavar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
2. Bangladesh
Oceanography Research
Institute
Same as
above
USD 12
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Important for marine
products and fish
feeds
26
Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, Vol. 6, Iss. 2 [2019], Art. 11
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to be taken
Institution in charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be
implemented
Additional comments
3. Biotechnology
Department, Dhaka
University
4.Banghabandhu Sheikh
Mujibor Rahman
Maritime University,
Mirpur, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
8
Marine
cosmetics
Functional ingredients,
marine oysters products
and other raw materials
can be utilized for UV-
filter, protects for sun
burn & cosmetics from
marine pearls etc.;
Same as above
1. National
Biotechnology Institute
(NBI), Shavar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
2. Bangladesh
Oceanography Research
Institute
3. Biotechnology
Department, Dhaka
University
Same as
above
USD 10
million for
next 10
years
Same as above
Important for marine
based cosmetic
development
27
Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
Published by Digital Commons @ Center for the Blue Economy, 2019
9 MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
9.1 Context
Blue Economy is one of the important aspects of Sustainable Ocean Governance as it refers to
sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihood by
maintaining healthy marine ecosystem. In order to achieve sustainable ocean governance, it is
important to implement the contemporary and newly developed principles and concepts
including Blue Economy and Ecosystem based management (EBM). As an implementation toll
for sustainable ocean governance, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) can play an important role
to achieve the objectives of Blue Economy. Due to various reasons, the current institutional
arrangements for sustainable ocean govern as well as exploring the concept of Blue Economy
is at a very rudimentary stage in Bangladesh.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) aimed to establish a more rational use of marine space and
the interactions between its uses. As a useful approach to marine and coastal management in
an integrated and sustainable manner MSP has been used at national and regional levels. An
Effective MSP is an imperative to achieve a sustainable ecological status of the world oceans.
Although an adaptable spatial panning system exists to manage and protect the marine and
coastal resources in some regional seas, due to lack to capacity and resources this panning
system is absent in many parts of the world oceans including the Bay of Bengal particularly in
Bangladesh. As MSP emphasises a balance between economic development and environmental
protection by allowing both a wide range of development activities and a high level of
environmental protection, its introduction in Bangladesh marine and coastal areas would
contribute to create new economic opportunities from its marine and coastal resources.
Furthermore, Transboundary MSP (TBMSP) that focuses on Large Marine Ecosystem
(LME), provides an opportunity for cross-border cooperation and contribute to the effective
protection of the regional ocean ecosystem through regional and transnational ocean
management system. Introduction and implementation of MSP at national and Transboundary
level will be very useful to achieve the objectives of goal 14 (relates to sustainable ocean
governance) of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 as well as to achieve the objectives of
Blue Economy.
The main constraints identified are: 1. The sectoral national policies are not compatible for
the newly developed concept of Blue Economy; 2. The current legal framework for ICZM and
MSP is not adequate and uniform; 3. The current institutional arrangements in Bangladesh is
based on sector by sector management approach, which is insufficient for sustainable ocean
governance and effective management of Blue Economy activities; and 4. The current
institutional arrangements are not integrated and coordinated, which will create a number of
challenges in operation of economic activities in the Bay of Bengal.
28
Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, Vol. 6, Iss. 2 [2019], Art. 11
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
9.2 Policy Interventions for Marine Spatial Planning
Priority
Name
Opportunity
description
Constraints
Actions to be
taken
Institution in
charge
Time
scale
Estimated
Budget
Partnership to
be implemented
Additional
comments
1
Marine Spatial
Planning at National as
well as Transboundary
Level
SDG context and 8th 5-Year
Plan under preparation.
World Bank and EU
support
Incapacity, lack
of coordination
and sectoral and
fragmented
legislation and
policy
1. A
comprehensive
National Ocean
Policy for SOG, 2.
Uniform and
consistent
legislation for
SOG, and 3.
Integrated and
coordinated
institutional
framework for
MSP and ICZM
Ministry of
Planning and
MOFA
2019 -
2025
2 m USD over
the next 5
years.
Key MSP
international
institutions in
collaboration with
national institutions
such as the
Maritime University
These
initiatives are
crucial to make
the Blue
Economy cell,
Bangladesh
effective as
well as to
maximise the
benefits of
ocean based
economy for
Bangladesh
5
Marine Environmental
Education
CBD, IPBES and CC
Development of University
Environment Curriculum
and Research Capacities
Incapacity, lack
of coordination
and sectoral and
fragmented
legislation and
policy
Develop a strong
Blue Economy
MSP curriculum
Ministry of
Education
2019 -
2030
5 m USD over
the next 10
years
Same as above
Same as above
10 REFERRENCES
(GED), General Economics Division. 2015. “Seventh {Five} {Year} {Plan} ({FY}2016 – 2020): {Accelerating} {Growth}, {Empowering} {Citizens}.” Dhaka, Bangladesh.
http://www.lged.gov.bd/UploadedDocument/UnitPublication/1/361/7th_FYP_18_02_2016.pdf.
Arrieta, Jesús M., Sophie Arnaud-Haond, and Carlos M. Duarte. 2010. “What Lies underneath: Conserving the Oceans’ Genetic Resources.” Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107 (43): 18318–24. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0911897107.
Failler, Pierre, M Shahadat Hossain, and M G Hussain. 2018. “Worksop Report Inputs for Blue Economy Strategy EU-BGD Joint Collaboration on Blue Economy European
Union Workshop Inputs for the Blue Economy Strategy,” no. September. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32986.80325.
Failler, Pierre, and M G Hussain. 2018. “EU-BGD Joint Collaboration on Blue Economy European Union Blue Economy National Coordination Workshop Pan Pacific
Sonargaon Hotel , Dhaka , Bangladesh Jointly Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union Delegation in Bangladesh,” no. September.
29
Failler et al.: Policy Options for Blue Economy in Bangladesh
Published by Digital Commons @ Center for the Blue Economy, 2019
Leal, Miguel Costa, João Puga, João Serôdio, Newton C.M. Gomes, and Ricardo Calado. 2012. “Trends in the Discovery of New Marine Natural Products from Invertebrates
over the Last Two Decades - Where and What Are We Bioprospecting?” PLoS ONE 7 (1). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030580.
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DOI: 10.15351/2373-8456.1099
