CA urges research after survey finds 65 new aquatic species

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has underscored the need for adequate research, evidence-based policy support and international coordination to ensure sustainable management of deep-sea resources and fisheries.

He made the remarks while reviewing the findings of a comprehensive survey on marine fisheries and ecosystems at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday morning.

At the meeting, the relevant committee submitted the report of the deep-sea survey conducted by research vessel RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen, according to a press release issued later by the Chief Advisor’s Office.

The month-long survey, conducted from Aug 21 to Sept 21 last year, involved 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh.

Presenting the research findings, Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Chittagong said the survey identified 65 new aquatic animal species, marking a significant advancement in understanding Bangladesh’s marine biodiversity.

He said the excessive presence of jellyfish in Bangladesh’s deep-sea waters signals ecological imbalance caused by overfishing.

He also expressed deep concern over the discovery of plastic waste at depths of up to 2,000m.

Compared with a 2018 study, the latest survey shows a decline in large fish populations in deep waters, while fish scarcity in shallow waters has reached an alarming level.

According to the data presented, around 270 to 280 large trawlers are currently engaged in deep-sea fishing, with about 70 using sonar-based targeted fishing.

Fisheries Advisor Farida Akhtar warned that continued targeted fishing could leave the Bay of Bengal depleted of fish.

“If fishing continues in this manner, there is a risk that the Bay of Bengal will become empty,” she said, adding that the government would take decisions on “sonar fishing”.

The study also found significant potential for tuna fishing in Bangladesh’s deep sea and identified a key fish nursery beneath the Sundarbans.

Officials said the government has already issued instructions to preserve the nursery.

Addressing the meeting, Yunus said Bangladesh’s maritime area is equal to its landmass, yet its marine resources remain largely unexplored and underutilised.

“We have not been able to properly utilise these resources; we do not even know the extent of their availability and potential,” he said.

“To make proper use of them, we need adequate research and strong policy support.”

He stressed the importance of joint research initiatives with countries such as Japan, Indonesia and the Maldives.

“Problems must be identified, and research must be coordinated with those who have expertise in this field,” he said. “This will open new horizons for the economy.”

The meeting was also informed that the UK Royal Navy’s multipurpose hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel HMS Enterprise is in the process of being handed over to the Bangladesh Navy.

The vessel will assist in collecting seabed, depth and other critical marine data, significantly strengthening Bangladesh’s marine research capacity.