Sakif Shamim: The Blue Economy is not just a conventional concept that brings the ocean to the center of economic activities; it is a comprehensive strategic philosophy for the sustainable, equitable, and environmentally friendly use of the ocean’s resources and services for the benefit of humanity. The core tenet of the Blue Economy is that the health of the marine ecosystem (Ocean Health) must not be compromised in the pursuit of economic growth. This philosophy encompasses a blend of traditional sectors, such as fisheries, and non-traditional sectors, including shipping, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, and marine biotechnology. For a coastal nation like Bangladesh, it can unlock the biggest economic horizon of the 21st century. Having won a vast maritime territory, we stand at a historic juncture of maximizing the utilization of sea-based resources. To seize this opportunity, we must rapidly break away from conventional thinking and focus on the immense potential and sustainable management of the deep sea.
The vast waters of our coastal region and the fishery resources within are not merely an economic driving force but a crucial pillar of our national security. When we envision the Blue Economy, the sustainable and responsible use of these abundant aquatic resources is at its core. This sustainable management of fisheries is not an isolated concept; it is an integrated fusion of ocean ecosystem health, the livelihoods of coastal communities, and future food security. The fisheries sector contributes approximately 3.57% to the country's total GDP and over 25% to the agricultural GDP. Around 1.95 crore people (19.5 million) are directly or indirectly dependent on this sector, which is about 12% of the total population. In terms of food security, over 60% of our daily animal protein comes from fish.
Currently, our fisheries sector faces a two-pronged challenge: on one hand, the pressure to meet increasing demand, and on the other, environmental degradation caused by overfishing and climate change. If we are to secure this valuable resource for the future, we must move away from conventional fishing methods and focus on deep-sea fishing and controlled aquaculture. Instead of relying solely on fish near the coast, we should use modern technology and research to explore resources in the deep sea. Recent data indicate that over 40,000 square kilometers of our exclusive economic zone in the deep sea remain unutilized. Its proper utilization requires long-term investment, the development of skilled human resources, and the use of international standard fishing trawlers, which will simultaneously ensure maritime security.
The Revolutionary Role of Hatchery and Aquaculture is extremely vital in this context. In inland and coastal aquaculture, we should move beyond reliance on common species like Rui (Rohu), Katla (Catla), or Shrimp, and shift towards cultivating High-Value Marine Species. It is encouraging that Bangladesh has risen to third place globally in fish production, primarily due to an almost 11% annual growth in inland aquaculture. Technologies such as Biofloc or the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) can multiply fish production in limited space, simultaneously reducing water use and environmental stress. These methods will strengthen the rural economy while creating new opportunities in the international market. Our annual revenue from fish exports currently exceeds BDT 4,000 crore (40 billion Taka), which can be substantially increased through sustainable management.
The foundation of sustainable use is Data-Driven Management. It is essential to accurately collect and analyze information on where, when, and how much fish is being caught. Effectively banning fishing during the spawning season of fish species and establishing Marine Protected Areas are integral parts of this management. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that small-scale fishers receive modern equipment and training. By integrating their traditional knowledge with scientific methods to create a Co-management model, the wastage of resources and illegal fishing at the local level can be significantly reduced. Preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is now a demand of the time. This not only harms our economy but also disrupts the balance of the entire ecosystem. It is also essential to bring fishing vessels under constant surveillance using state-of-the-art monitoring systems like Satellite Tracking (VMS).
To fully reap the benefits of the Blue Economy, we must be strict in preventing marine pollution. Plastic waste, industrial effluent, and oil spills are silent killers for our aquatic ecosystem. The government must enforce stricter laws in this regard, as well as encourage coastal industries to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. Fisheries resources are not just a means of filling stomachs; they are one of the main foundations of our economy, contributing significantly to our GDP. To combat the impacts of climate change, we must make our coastal infrastructure more resilient and emphasize the protection of Mangrove Forests (such as the Sundarbans), which act as fish breeding grounds and protect the coast from natural disasters.
This dream is not merely about increasing the quantity of fish caught; it is a commitment to keeping our ocean healthy, improving the quality of life for people in coastal areas, and leaving a rich aquatic legacy for future generations. The key to fulfilling this commitment lies in the balanced and responsible management of fisheries resources, where science, technology, and policy foresight work in tandem.
—Author of the article is Managing Director of Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Specialty Center, and also Deputy Managing Director of Labaid Group.
