Emphasis by the chief advisor on deep-sea research and problem identification

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized research and problem identification in the deep sea.

He said, 'The land area of our country is matched by an equally large area of water. But we have not been able to properly utilize these resources, and we do not even know the exact quantity or potential of these resources. To make proper use of these resources, adequate research and policy support are necessary.'

The Chief Adviser made these remarks at a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday morning (January 6).

The relevant authorities submitted reports from surveys and research conducted through the research vessel R.V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen regarding marine fisheries resources and ecosystems to the Chief Adviser.

Present at the meeting were Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, Chief Adviser’s International Special Envoy Lutf Siddiqui, Professor Syedur Rahman Chowdhury of the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, and Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Abdullah Al Mamun.

This information was conveyed in a message sent from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

On August 21 of last year, This survey was conducted until September 21. Twenty-five scientists from eight countries participated in this survey, among whom 13 were from Bangladesh.

Professor Sayedur Rahman presented research-related data at today's meeting. He stated that 65 new aquatic species have been discovered in this research.

He said, 'The abundance of jellyfish in the deep sea of Bangladesh has increased excessively. This is a sign of imbalance. Such a situation has arisen due to overfishing.'

Sayedur Rahman also mentioned that plastics have been found even at a depth of two thousand meters, which is a matter of serious concern.

Comparing it with a 2018 study, it has been observed that larger fish in the deep sea are decreasing. The quantity of fish in shallow waters has also decreased alarmingly.

It is known that currently 270 to 280 large fishing trawlers are harvesting fish from the deep sea. Among them, 70 trawlers use sonar-based technology for targeted fishing. This is a highly aggressive method. As a result, fishermen who catch large fish in the deep sea benefit, but those who fish in shallow waters suffer losses.

The fisheries and livestock advisor said, 'If targeted fishing continues like this, there is a risk that the Bay of Bengal may become devoid of fish. The government will make a decision regarding sonar-based fishing.'

Research has revealed that there is an abundance of tuna fish in the deep sea of Bangladesh, and there is significant potential as well. At the same time, a fish breeding area has been discovered beneath the Sundarbans. Instructions have already been issued by the government to protect it.

The meeting also mentioned that a multi-purpose hydrographic survey and oceanographic research vessel of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy is currently in the process of being handed over to the Bangladesh Navy. This vessel will collect data on the seabed, depth, and other marine information, which will support the enhancement of Bangladesh's marine research and capabilities.

Emphasizing joint research coordination with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives, the chief advisor said, 'Problems must be identified first. Research coordination must be carried out with those who have expert knowledge in this area. Through this, new horizons of the economy will be unveiled.'