Innovation, cutting-edge research can unlock the Bay of Bengal’s potential
The vibrant, ever-expanding ocean economy of Bangladesh is a tapestry of diverse economic sectors. From the bounty of living resources to the untapped potential of mineral and energy reserves, from the bustling networks of maritime trade and transport to the allure of coastal tourism and recreation, leveraging its strategic location to build a regional and global hub of logistics, the three-dimensionality of the Bay of Bengal serves as the common thread that binds these industries together into an intricate, interdependent system.
Ocean ecosystems provide the fundamental natural resources that underpin the ocean-based economy. The distinction between ocean economy and blue economy lies in the fact that the latter encompasses policies designed to foster the sustainable advancement of the economy centred around oceanic resources and activities. Its goal is to achieve economic growth without depleting the overall natural capital and to ensure that the conservation of shared marine resources contributes to economic growth and poverty alleviation. These policies are typically formulated to bolster the three crucial aspects of sustainable development in the context of ocean utilisation: the sociopolitical, environmental, and economic domains.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Bay of Bengal, the world's largest bay, holds significant strategic and economic value, serving as a key hub for trade, fisheries, and coastal communities. Despite its potential, the region's resources remain underutilised. To fully exploit the blue economy, there is a need for focused scientific research and capacity-building. Countries bordering the bay—including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand—stand to benefit from a collaborative academic and research initiative.
Developing a robust, science-based academic and research programme is key to unlocking the secrets of the Bay of Bengal. By investing in comprehensive physical, biological and chemical oceanographic studies, marine biology, and coastal ecosystem assessments, we can gain a far deeper understanding of the bay's unique environment, resources, and vulnerabilities. This knowledge can then inform evidence-based policymaking and resource management strategies, ensuring sustainable development of the blue economy.
Bangladesh is strategically positioned on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, giving it tremendous potential to develop a thriving blue economy. However, realising this blue economy vision faces several key challenges. One of the key challenges is navigating the intricate maritime boundaries and jurisdictions within the bay. Bangladesh's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shares maritime borders with India and Myanmar, and it is crucial to recognise that this zone is not a self-contained entity, but rather dynamically linked to the entire Bay of Bengal. Consequently, a collaborative and robust academic and research initiative among all the surrounding nations is a vital approach to develop a synergistic and nature-based solution for blue economy.
The Bay of Bengal's ecosystem is facing threats from algal blooms and the formation of Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZ), also known as "Dead Zones," which can have devastating consequences for marine life. Excessive nutrient input from neighbouring rivers—mainly due to agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and poor wastewater treatment—fuels algal growth. Monitoring and collaborative research among the surrounding countries are essential to study the patterns and impacts of algal bloom, as well as the formation and extent of the OMZ. This research can develop effective conservation strategies and policies to protect the bay's marine resources and ensure their sustainability.
Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a holistic, ecosystem-based scientific approach to managing the various economic uses and activities that take place within the marine environment. It involves the analysis of current and future spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in order to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources while minimising conflicts among different sectors. In the context of the Bay of Bengal, effective MSP will be vital for optimising the region's blue economy. The Bay of Bengal is home to a diverse array of marine resources and economic activities, including fishing, aquaculture, shipping, offshore energy production, coastal tourism, land reclamation, freshwater harvesting, naval and aviation infrastructure, and many more. Without proper planning and coordination, these different sectors can easily come into conflict, leading to environmental degradation, economic losses, and social upheaval. MSP provides the framework to map out these various uses, identify synergies and trade-offs, and develop integrated management strategies.
The Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has developed a comprehensive model, the BDM, marking a significant technological breakthrough. The advanced modelling provided valuable insights for blue economy project viability in the Bay of Bengal. Key research found that the Payra deep-sea port channel has much higher sedimentation than usual, rapidly filling within a year as dredging depth increases. This suggests that the location is unviable due to prohibitive maintenance costs. The BDM model also explored freshwater harvesting, coastal community development, and tourism to support a thriving coastal economy. Detailed, science-based studies are crucial during planning for all coastal and Bay of Bengal projects to ensure sustainability.
As the regional powers vie for influence and access to the resources of the area, mastery of relevant science and technology can become a key strategic asset for Bangladesh. By demonstrating its technological prowess in these areas, Bangladesh can position itself as a hub of maritime innovation, attracting investment and partnerships that bolster its economic and geopolitical standing.
In addition, studying the bay's influence on monsoons, currents, and coasts can provide crucial insights to develop effective climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations. Given the region's susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, and cyclones, cutting-edge climate research has become urgent. Satellite imaging, predictive analytics, and AI-driven early warning systems could aid disaster preparedness. Innovative coastal infrastructure like floating cities and bioengineered mangroves could also reduce climate risks.
Equally important is the need to develop a new generation of scientists and researchers within the country. This will require a concerted effort to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the establishment of specialised graduate programmes and research fellowships.
Furthermore, strategic partnerships and exchange programmes with leading global research institutions can help transfer knowledge, technology, and best practices. This cross-pollination of ideas and expertise can accelerate the development of innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the Bay of Bengal.
The time has come to harness the power of science to unlock the secrets of the Bay of Bengal and leverage our technological prowess to project influence on regional scientific and geopolitical challenges.
Dr Quamrul Ahsan is former professor at the Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He can be reached at [email protected].
Dr AKM Saiful Islam is professor at IWFM, BUET.
Dr Anisul Haque is professor at IWFM, BUET.
Md Mahfuzur Rahman is former director general of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
Dr Shamal Chandra Das is chief engineer of planning at BWDB.
Views expressed in this article are the authors' own.
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