Charting a Course for Blue Economy in Post Covid-19 Scenario
Bangladesh, as a littoral state, has been a hub of maritime activities for centuries whereas the Bay of Bengal plays a pivotal role in our trade and commerce with the outside world. In the last decade before the onset of COVID-19, Bangladesh set her sails on a voyage of progress and prosperity. It was clearly acknowledged by the government of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the maritime development is indispensable for our country’s prosperity. In the blue economy sectors like ports & shipping to marine aquaculture, ship-building to ship recycling, hydrocarbon to marine bio-technology, maritime tourism to maritime education, in fact all the potential maritime sectors were being developed, nurtured, and rejuvenated in order to ensure proper utilisation of our maritime resources. However, the recent onslaught of pandemic Coronavirus has cast a shadow of pale and frustration in the progress of global civilization and predicts an uncertain economic gloom and downturn in the global trade and commerce. As such it has become essential that we try to ascertain the possible impact of the pandemic on this very important sector of blue economy and find ways to bounce back for the overall economic recovery. There is no denying the fact that the COVID-19 has further exacerbated challenges in the maritime sector as to how much resources the government should allocate for the blue economy in context of the looming economic disaster. In the overall prioritization of development budget, every sector is likely to contest for her share of the pie leading to a situation of perplex among the policy planners and bureaucrats. There is likely to be heavy strain on various development projects due to budget constraints arising out of Corona related stimulus budget for economic bale out of various affected sectors. But right measure of support from the international financial institutions and FDI from the friendly countries can help Bangladesh to sustain the big number of development projects which will keep the country on target to our national development agenda as per Vision 2041. However, the global research indicates that the countries giving priority on various maritime business, industries and ocean science have better prospects of economic recovery in post COVID-19 era. Under this backdrop, the study aims to provide some possible solutions for resilience and response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the blue economy of Bangladesh.
Read moreA Comparative Study of Maritime Quantitative Risk Assessment Models Using Automatic Identification System Data
Ship collision is a matter of major concern all over the world. A significant number of studies have been published regarding the assessment of ship collision risk. This paper studies ship collision risk assessment models and investigates the characteristics of the models with the aid of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) from Chattogram Port and Singapore Port area. A comparison of the results are shown and facts associated with ship collisions are highlighted together with possible solutions.
Read moreDistribution of Biochemical Oceanography in the Bay of Bengal: A Review
A study was carried out to look into different biological and chemical parameters in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) from previous papers. In general, BoB water has some unique characteristics compared to the Arabian sea (AS) attributes. Because of large freshwater influx and weak wind induced mixing of water column, BoB has less saline water compared to AS. Apart from these physical phenomena, BoB have been poorly investigated before to compare with its bio-chemical traits. Keeping that in mind, we are presenting here some of the bio-chemical features of BoB. In the present findings, among the metals concentration, Ca (Calcium) was found to be the higher, while Ti (Titanium) was the lowest among the collected data of the major and trace elements in the sediments of the BoB. The Corg/N (atomic ratio) values of the sediments showed a wide depth variation. Among the nutrients (Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate, Ammonia and Silica), Ammonia was in higher concentration compared to rest of the nutrients. There were considerable variations in primary productivity and chlorophyll concentration in the surface layer of water, whereas, these were found to be constant in greater depths. However, vertical line of chlorophyll and productivity change revealed the correlation between them. It would be suggested that as BoB region has poorer oceanographic data to make comparison among different parameters, further investigations should need to be conducted to collect and analyze in-situ bio-chemical data in a greater extent.
Read morePowering Offshore Structure Using Renewable Energy: A Review Study
Renewable energy is shaping our future due to the ever-growing environmental crises. The world needs purposeful activity to diminish fossil fuel uses and execute carbon relief measures as nonrenewable options cannot be eliminated within a few decades. Offshore structures play a significant role in extracting nonrenewable energy; however, these create environmental hazards and are not cost-effective. In this study, the use of renewable energy for powering the offshore structures is discussed. It also reflects the economic and social awareness perspective that is much needed by any country. The paper compiles all recent innovation, usage limits, efficiency, contribution, and challenges for utilizing sustainable power sources on offshore platforms. The paper finally discusses some ideas to manage the introduction and subsequent growth of renewable energy resources. This research aims to notify concerned individuals about the current capabilities with possible opportunities and challenges. The discussion of this paper will inform future decision-makers and researchers on policies to be taken in this burgeoning sector, along with the path for future research and scope for improvement.
Read moreA Feasibility Study for the Procurement of Support, Service and Utility Vessels for Mongla Port
Mongla is the 2nd largest seaport of Bangladesh and the gateway of south-western part of the country. Though Mongla Port had the only 10% share of handling of the total export-import throughput of the country only few years back, the prospects of cargo as well as container handling of the port is increasing gradually and consequently it is anticipated that Mongla Port Authority will handle a significant share of the total export-import volume. In order to cope up with the increasing demand as well to develop MPA Authority as a regional hub, a number of development projects have been taken. However, the number of support, service and utility vessels procured so far is not adequate to provide the intended service by the port. In view of the same, a study has been carried out to find out the necessary numbers, sizes and types of support, service and utility vessels for Mongla Port to meet future demand. The study also encompasses technical, commercial and financial viability of the same with respect required investment, operation and maintenance as well as manpower costs. The sensitivity analysis shows that the investment will be feasible one and enhance the capacity and standard of the port to serve as a modern regional port.
Read moreNumerical Simulation and Comparative Study of Aerodynamic Performance of Kline-Fogleman Modified Backward Stepped Airfoils and the NACA 4415 Airfoil
This research predominantly centers on the streamlined qualities of Kline-Fogleman modified (KFm) airfoil. KFm arrangement airfoil family shows improved strength and low stalling which has made it quite popular for low weight conveying flight. Some of the major streamlined attributes like lift coefficient, drag coefficient, etc. of KFm-1, KFm-2, and KFm-3 have been explored and a correlation is made with the NACA 4415 airfoil. Spalart-Allmaras disturbance model is applied to the ANSYS Fluent commercial software. The setup is analyzed at a different angle of attack (AOA) methodologies stretching out from 0? to 15? and for a variety of Mach numbers ranging from 0.3 to 0.6. The Reynolds number was 3.18 ×105 . The purpose of this division was to reduce computational costs while utilizing CFD software. Computational assessments were coordinated to explore the streamlined presentation of the airfoil. The results highlighted that a steady and gradual increase in lift is possible by introducing the backward step. The overall aim of this assessment was to numerically inspect whether the streamlined execution of an airfoil can be improved by introducing a backward facing step on the upper surface of the airfoil.
Read moreThe Maritime Sector in the Economic Development of Bangladesh
Maritime economy, a comparatively new concept in the domain of economics, means the economic activities based on marine or sea-based resources. The present paper seeks to explore the prospects of a sea-based economy to help promote Bangladesh from a middle-income country as targeted in the 'Vision 2021' to a developed country as per 'Vision 2041' through the sustainable use of marine resources. The study also reveals that Bangladesh can accelerate its economic process through the effective use of sea resources. Bangladesh has 200 nautical miles of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) with a 710 km long coastline in the Bay of Bengal. Seas, which cover nearly three fourths of the earth, play a vital role in two essential functions. From very ancient times, the sea was the major media of communication or transportation. And also, the biggest natural source of living and non-living resources. At present, we can see almost all the oceanic countries are becoming very substantially aware of their marine resources to resolve many of their economies' present and future challenges. As for Bangladesh, the ocean contributes an outstanding deal to its overall socio-economic progress by raising the country's economic activities and particularly to the coastal zone in the southern part. This paper, based mostly on secondary data analysis, investigates how much Bangladesh can handle the challenges in becoming a developed country by implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shows the impact of the maritime sector in Bangladeshi economic development. In addition, it attempts to find out the barriers and limitations of the activities from different angles of vision. It proposes some ways that forward for promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh.
Read moreGeological Evolution and the Hydrocarbon Potentiality of the Bay of Bengal
Geological history reveals that the sea-floor spreading process back in 1185 Ma has formed the ocean-basin of the Bay of Bengal with the initial sedimentation began at least 65 to 85 Ma back. Two characteristics properties prevail in the geological records of the Bay of Bengal are the occurrence of oceanic crust (basaltic) in the offshore basin and the marine environment of sedimentation for the entire period of its occurrence. Petroleum source rock generation and maturation requires marine sedimentation for organic matter enrichment and TTP for proper cooking respectively. Geochemical analyses of sediments and discoveries of gas in the Mahanadi Basin of India to the west and the Rakhain Basin of Mayanmar to the east strongly suggest hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and trapping in the offshore Bengal Basin of the Bay of Bengal. Hydrocarbon after migration from source rock finds either a suitable structural trap or a stratigraphic trap. Offshore Bengal basin is dominantly characterized by stratigraphic trap mostly channel sands for hydrocarbon accumulation. On the other hand, the development of structural traps are limited upto the deformation front in the eastern part of the basin where deformation front has obstructed for the limited development of structural traps in the deep offshore basin region. Crustal segmentation and deformation has developed complex folding and inversion wherein young structures have been superimposed on to the older structural trends. The sediments represent an overall basinward progradation of sedimentation from deep marine to coastal marine setting is overlain by continental-fluvial deposition. The lower part of the sequence represents a slope sedimentation within a westward migrating structural development of accretionary prism complex. Thick mud rock sequence of accretionary complex at around 5-6 km depth is considered as upper source rock undergone high degree of maturation with a possible oil window phase. Two major zones have been identified where the development of hydrocarbon traps occurred viz., a) the zone of intense channeling in the upper part of the accretionary prism, and b) the limited development of structural highs between the paleodeformation and neodeformation fronts. Favorable traps of hydrocarbon likely to occur at 4-6 km depths zone. Further, mud and sand-filled channels, incised valleys of intense channeling, and pro-delta clays frequently pass up-dip to delta-front sand wedges as favorable stratigraphic trap.
Evaluating the Relationship of Employee Engagement and Knowledge Sharing Behavior: A Study on the Tourism Sector of Bangladesh
The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributions of employee engagement including its components on employee knowledge sharing behavior. Workforce of an organization has relatively great importance because of their opportunities in diversified contributions. In this sense, it has been a notable concern for the sustainable organizations to utilize their intellectual resources i.e. sharing employee knowledge. Likewise, prior contemporary researches also indicated supportive directions on this present relationship and its positive outcomes especially in service oriented industries. Moreover, for providing the best service, employee knowledge development and sharing has great importance which actually stimulate the current research to select the most emerging service sector of Bangladesh like, Tourism. Based on the concepts of previous literatures, a theoretical framework is proposed and hypotheses are also formulated. This study collected responses from purposively selected 400 sample respondents who are working as full time employees in tourism organizations of Bangladesh. For input and incorporation of sample data, SPSS version 20 has been used whereas, for testing the CFA, reliability, validity of items and hypothesis testing PLS-SEM (version-2) has been utilized. The result showed that all components of employee engagement i.e. satisfaction, identification, commitment, loyalty, and performance have significant contributions in employee knowledge sharing behavior. The study aims to investigate insights of the current scenario and provide relevant recommendations for further study to foster organizational sustainability. This research will be beneficial for researchers, practitioners, scholars, managers, and employees. It will also be helpful for those who are interested in organizational development and knowledge sharing in context of South East Asian region.
Read moreVisualization of Gellan Network Formation in Different Ionic Environment
Gellan gum is a bacterial polysaccharide with a negatively charged carboxyl ion in its monomer. It forms thermo-reversible gel due to the formation of a biopolymer network in an aqueous medium under suitable conditions, and its properties depend on the type of necessary cations to form a gel. In this study, the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique has been used to elucidate cation types effect on gellan network formation. AFM images were obtained for gellan gel samples prepared without and with adding salts of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations. It was found that gellan gel with monovalent ion did not show any fiber-like network. Instead, it showed a network formed by the association of globular objects. While with divalent ion, the presence of fiber-like objects was seen, and the network was formed due to the crosslinking of these fibers. The mixture of fibrous and globular structures is realized for the sample with added trivalent ion; however, the fibers are thicker than the gellan gel sample with divalent cations.
Read moreSeafarers Employment Issues: Bangladesh Perspective
The focus of this study is on the employment issues of Bangladeshi seafarers in the prevailing job market for seafarer. The paper gives a summary of the history of seafaring, growth of Maritime institute of education and Training, establishment of national fleet to contribute to the jobs of seafarers and training of cadets. This is a descriptive study. Data collected for this study are from both the primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected by interviewing people serving in Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutes and the seafarer sailing currently. Secondary sources of data are published books, journal papers, government shipping office website etc. This research conceptualizes the key problems behind the unemployment of Bangladeshi seafarer and effort has been given to explore the inherent root causes. The identified causes are the less number of national flag vessels, reputation of seafarers in the global market, standard of MET. Therefore, this study recommends formation of employment policy for Bangladeshi seafarer, diplomatic effort to regain reputation of Bangladeshi seafarer, enhance the quality of MET institute and increase training facility. This study concludes some proposal for the improvement of work opportunity of Bangladeshi Seafarer.
Read moreBiological Diversity Status of Fish Genetic Resources at Tanguar Haor Wetland in Bangladesh
Tanguar haor has been declared as an Ecologically Critical Area and a Ramsar site - wetland of international importance by the Government of Bangladesh due to recent gradual alteration of haor ecosystem habitat and over exploitation of natural resources including fish genetic resources. Present winter season study was conducted to assess the effect of dry season on the overall fisheries resources and biological diversity of existing fish species in the wetland ecosystem of the haor. In this study, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and questionnaire surveys of different stakeholders such as Key Informant Interview (KII); Personal Interview (PI); Household Survey (HS) and spot visit to fish landing centers/ local fish markets were carried out within Tanguar haor area covering two Upazilas viz. Tahirpur and Dharmapasha of Sunamganj district, Sylhet. The existing fisheries resources and status of fish biological diversity of the wetland based on such consultations, discussion and intervention have been assessed. From this study, it has been revealed that there are only 58 fish species were captured among 141 species (as reported earlier) by the local fishermen during that winter season, among those numbers 16 fish (28%) were identified as Commonly Available Species (CAS), 18 fish (31.08%) were as Moderately Available Species (MAS), 12 fish (20.68%) were as Less Available Species (LAS) and 12 fish (20.68%) were as Rarely Available Species (RAS). Both LAS and RAS can be categorized as vulnerable species; those are on the line to be endangered within a few years of time. According to report of the fisher groups a total of 8 fish species were not recently available at all in their catch. The overall assessment result of the study was extremely alarming for fish biological diversity of the wetland. Therefore, it is strongly recommended by all the consulted stakeholders that the integrated Best Wetland Management Practices (BWMPs) should be continued, enhanced and re-adopted as useful solution by the GoB and concerned departments and ministries by coordinated way to restore the threatened natural ecosystem services and vales and conserve the fish biological diversity at Tanguar haor wetland.
Read moreSWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Maritime Region for the Strategic Approach of Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100
Bangladesh is called a Maritime Nation and Maritime Region (MR) has been subjugated geomorphologically and hydrologically by the Ganges-BrahmaputraMeghna (GBM) basin and the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP-2100) has been taken for sustainable delta management and an intrinsical relationship appears among the parameters of MR and BDP-2100. Strength (S), Weakness (W), Opportunity (O), and Threat (T) (SWOT) analyses are revealed an object’s current situation and make it possible to augment future short-term as well as a long-term plan like BDP-2100. The objective of the study is to analyze the parameters of MR through the SWOT matrix to find out the strategic approaches for the implementation of BDP-2100. The study is based on reviewing different published research papers, articles, and reports, etc., and about 32 parameters of MR are identified through the literature review for the SWOT technique. The SWOT technique demonstrates that the MR of Bangladesh has enormous strength and extensive opportunity, but the strength is not exploited, and the opportunity is not utilized owing to their high internal weakness and moderate external threat. The study reveals four strategies i.e. SO, WO, ST, and WT strategy, and based on these it suggests some strategic approaches for the implementation of BDP-2100 contemplating the MR. Besides, the study recommends that marine resources should be utilized properly for a balanced ecosystem, new laws and regulations should be introduced to restrict the unsanctioned interruption of foreign entities and a maritime court should be established to ensure the peace and protection of the maritime border, modern technology can be used for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of maritime resources, all islands and ports should be used as the tourism sector, Individual or group should be supported to collaborate for maximizing the development in the maritime territory.
Read moreIdentification and valuation of ecosystem services of the Sundarbans mangrove forest: existing scenario and the way forward towards blue governance in Bangladesh
Characterized by tidal flats, natural levees and the unique Sundarbans mangrove forest, the coastal zone of Bangladesh is regarded as one of the most productive ecosystems of the world due to regular flush of nutrient rich silts and supply of organic matters from the mangroves. Over the last few decades, however, changes in land use pattern including clearing of mangroves for settlement and agriculture, construction of embankments along the coast to boost rice production and conversion of saline waterlogged agricultural lands to shrimp farming have redefined the coastal landscape and damaged the ecosystem of the coast and the Sundarbans. The tidal forest provides a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) to millions of coastal people, yet unsustainable extraction of resources and traditional economic development continue further jeopardizing the ES potential of mangroves. Lack of knowledge on the value of mangroves ES are largely responsible for such unsustainable practices. True valuation of mangroves ES is a daunting task because all the services cannot be quantified in tangible monetary terms; consequently, efforts in this regard are lacking. Hence, identification of ES and understanding their interplay are crucial to apprehend the actual value of the Sundarbans and its biosphere-supporting contribution to the dynamic delta. This is also necessary to understand how the mangroves ES are contributing to the wellbeing of the coastal community of Bangladesh whose lives and livelihoods are directly dependent on a healthy ecosystem.
Read moreThe future of the Blue Economy in Bangladesh
Since 2014, the Government of Bangladesh has initiated discussions with stakeholders in order to adopt the concept of a ‘blue economy’ across relevant policies and strategies. By definition, the blue economy fosters the idea of sustainably deriving economic value from the untapped potential of marine resources using sustainable solutions and innovations for increasing food security, improving nutrition and health, alleviating poverty, creating jobs, increasing trade and industrial profiles while protecting ecosystem health and biodiversity, and maintaining regional peace and security. This policy paper focuses on Bangladesh’s transition to a blue economy through the analysis of existing and potential sectorial opportunities and constraints. It also provides a way forward in terms of actions to be carried out for the sustainable development of ocean economy sectors. It has been elaborated on the outcome of the Joint Collaboration on Blue Economy between the Government of Bangladesh and its development partners such as the European Union, the World Bank and the UK Research institutions such as the University of Portsmouth.
Read moreGas Hydrate Potential Along The Eastern Continental Margin of India
Bottom simulating reflector (BSR) is the main marker for the identification of gas hydrate in the subsurface sediments from seismic data. Based on BSRs mapped on the seismic sections, two national drilling, coring and logging programs were conducted in 2006 and 2015, respectively, which discovered a huge amount of gas hydrate along the Indian continental margin. The first Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 1 (NGHP-01) found gas hydrate as fracture-filled and pore-filled in fine-grained shallow sediments of Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Andaman offshore basins. NGHP-02 was conducted in the deeper water parts of Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi offshore basins to find gas hydrate deposits in the coarse-grained sediments. Well log and core data collected during the second expedition in 25 sites reveal a huge amount of gas hydrates distributed as pore-fill, fracture-fill and both pore- and fracture-fill (mixed) morphologies in sand and silt rich sediments. Rock physics modelling of sonic velocity and resistivity log shows that about 80-90% of the pore spaces are filled with gas hydrates at some depths, which are closely matching with available pressure core measurements. Lateral distributions of gas hydrate are delineated by integrating the well logs and seismic data. However, for the proper delineation and quantification of gas hydrate, characterisation of the reservoir is very important in terms of lithology, porosity, permeability, anisotropy and the morphology of gas hydrate distribution. Full waveform inversion of seismic data, advanced rock physics modelling and neural network technique, etc. are very useful for assessing the gas hydrate reservoirs. Based on certain assumptions, the estimated reserves in Indian offshore is about 1900 trillion cubic meters and 1% production can serve India’s energy requirement for a few decades. However, the estimated reserves should be further refined incorporating more drilling and coring data.
Read moreGeospatial Mapping of the Ecological Provinces: A Qualitative Study on the Ecosystem Services and Threats in the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh
‘Blue economy’ concept has opened a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh to exploit and utilize the coastal and marine resources in a sustainable way. To maintain sustainability and monitor the coastal ecosystems while exploiting resources for economic benefits, delineation of the major ecological provinces and systematic assessment of their ecosystems services is essential. This study aims to map and delineate the major ecological provinces of the coastal belt of Bangladesh. This study also aims to identify the ecosystem services provided by these ecosystems and finally to determine the threats of these ecosystems. Secondary data were collected through consultation and brief interviews with the experts on relevant fields, NGO’s and field observation was chosen to identify the ecosystem services and threats towards the ecological provinces. Landsat-5TM/7ETM imageries were used for mapping the ecological provinces and other secondary data sources such as policy review, journals and newspaper articles were also used. The major ecological provinces- mangrove, coral, estuary, salt marsh and turtle nesting were identified along the coastal belt and delineated. The most significant and unique ecosystem services of the ecosystem and key threats were identified qualitatively. Mangrove ecological province is the largest and most beneficial active ecosystem in both ecological and economic aspects but human intervention is imposing a major threat. The coral ecological province in Saint Martin’s island identified as the most vulnerable due to the constant tourism pressure. This study, however, recommended policy formulation and management planning to protect the coastal ecosystem to achieve sustainable development at the end.
Read moreAn overview of the opportunities and challenges in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and the Bay of Bengal in reference to climate change impact
Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and its extension in the Bay of Bengal is genetically related to delta progradation. Sediments of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta have been the principal source of opportunities in the perspective of georesources and ecosystem. Simultaneously the same sediments have been the major cause of many challenges this delta is facing since its formation. Terrestrial sediments from the Himalaya, deposited over the oceanic floor of the Bay of Bengal are the major source of oil, gas, gas hydrates, metallic and radioactive minerals in addition to all kinds of nutrients being supplied to the living organisms. Supply of more than one billion tons of sediments in the offshore delta every year provide opportunities in building prograding delta by accretion wherein one of the largest continental shelf advancing seaward through accumulating sediments to form numerous sand-bars and islands. However, all these opportunities are countered by the major challenges due to the recurring adverse events viz., massive siltation, inland and coastal flooding, deterioration of navigation routes, large scale land loss by bank erosion, submarine landslides, high pressure mud formation, free natural gas escape, cyclone, storm surge, saline water encroachment, security and pollution. These opportunities and challenges are not associated with climate change impact. Climate change is a natural phenomena that occurs in about hundred thousand years cycle of glacial and interglacial periods while the present Earth is passing through the interglacial period. The notion of climate change is an idea that circulates international diplomacy and domestic politics, and not the climate change in reality of the anthropocene time frame. Opportunities and challenges are associated with the variable physical and anthropogenic process operating in decadal to millennium time scale. The opportunities need to explore and nourish for the benefits of sustainable economic development. While, challenges are needed to face and manage by the good governance and by the proper professional human resource development and management.
Trace metals in water, sediment and fishes of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, Bangladesh: A Review
The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, a transboundary delta, is the world’s largest delta which is believed to be contaminated with many pollutants including heavy metals. This study systematically reviewed heavy metal pollution in water, sediments and fish in different rivers of the GBM Delta, Bangladesh. This study evaluated total 12 heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Pb, Ni, Mn and Ba) which are mostly reported in different rivers of the GBM Delta. Most of the heavy metals’ mean concentration in water, sediments and fish exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) in the Buriganga, Bangshi, Dhaleshawri, Karnaphuli and Korotoa rivers because of direct or indirect discharge of significant levels of untreated industrial effluents, municipal sewage, domestic wastes and agricultural runoffs. However, the level of heavy metal contamination in water and sediments of the upper Ganges were below the MPLs. This might be caused by the effects of higher water flow in the river. The concentration of heavy metals in sediments and fish were reported much higher than waters as metals tend to deposit to the bottom of the water column and also accumulate in the fishes’ tissues. We conclude that a few of the rivers of GBM delta are highly contaminated by heavy metals and there is potential risk concern for ecosystem and public health. This study recommends effective waste management strategies to control heavy metals pollution in different rivers of the GBM Delta in future.
Read moreApplication of Ocean Color Remote Sensing for Managing the Bay of Bengal
Ocean color remote sensing has brought a new era in ocean management. A reasonable number of satellites are dedicated at present for providing ocean color data to boost up ocean management. The major satellites include MODIS, OCM-2, VIRS, OLCI, etc. Major applications of those sensors are identifying potential fishing ground and harmful algal bloom, tracking cyclone, determining oil slick, monitoring mangrove ecosystem and trends. Ocean color remote sensing offers many advantages over conventional procedures for example synoptic coverage, repeated observations, and area averaging. The absence of nearshore, particularly the area below 200 m depth of the Bay of Bengal, data is a major limitation of those sensors. The necessity of regional and bio-optical algorithms, atmospheric corrections, in-situ data validations, artificial neural networks, and the accuracy of those sensors is still a challenge for oceanographers. This study aims to address the preferable ocean color remote sensors and their importance of oceanic management in the Bay of Bengal.
Read moreEmerging Maritime Development in the Bay of Bengal - an opinion
Oceans and seas support all life by generating oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, recycling nutrients and regulating global climate and temperature, food and livelihoods to a substantial portion of the global population. Over 90% of planets living and nonliving resources are found within a few hundred kilometers of the coasts and nearly 2/3 of world population lives near the seacoast. The ocean acts as a great heat reservoir leveling and moderating the temperature extremes, provides the least expensive form of transportation and the coasts serve as a major recreational site. From time immemorial, the oceans and seas have been serving as international ways for ships and fishing grounds for fishermen and have long influenced human imagination, cultures and destiny. The direct promotion of the economy by providing food for livelihood, tourism, trade, shipping, ship building, ship recycling, health products and recreation is one of the major off set of ocean resources/blue economy management. Beyond fish worth 135 billion dollar and ships carrying 90% of cargoes, 200 billion dollar of tourism, seas and oceans also provide climate regulation covering 70% of the earth?s surface. Mangroves, sea grass and salt marshes remove co2 from the atmosphere 10 times more than a tropical forest and store 3 to 5 times more than carbon thus decreasing the impacts of climate change and they are reducing the impacts of storm surge, erosion and flooding.
Read moreBangladesh Delta Plan 2100: Charting A Course For Sustainable Ocean Governance And Maritime Development
The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has approved the Delta Plan 2100 (BDP 2100) which is a holistic plan to integrate the activities of delta-related sectors across the country. BDP 2100 is a strategic planning document with long term strategies and multi-sectoral coordinated policy for the marine ecosystem and water resources development within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta in the context of climate change and other socio-economic factors. Ocean governance is an indispensable part of the BDP 2100, which can contribute to the overall implementation of various sectors of delta management. This study concentrates on reviewing the BDP 2100 to explore the relevant provisions for sustainable ocean governance and maritime development of Bangladesh. The study explores the challenges for implementing the BDP 2100 and deliberates on the necessary legal, policy and institutional arrangements to reduce different unplanned infrastructure in the coastal area through the formulation of Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The study emphasizes the necessity for a robust budgetary mechanism and governance structure so as to achieve the set targets in time. Moreover, the study reveals that strong regional cooperation and formulation of an Integrated Regional Delta Plan is essential to get the maximum dividends. Finally, emphasizing on higher maritime education and taking a proactive approach to the UNESCO declared ‘Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030” are few inevitable spinoffs of this study in order to implement the BDP 2100 for sustainable maritime development for Bangladesh.
Read moreMarine Peptides Attenuate Oxidative Stress to Manage Diabetes And Diabetes- Related Parameters
An increasing prevalence of diabetes, in the last few decades, is known as a main risk for human health worldwide. Due to patience’s inconvenience, unaffordability and adverse effects of synthetic drugs, a large number of diabetic patients are in search of alternative therapeutics while marine products have been placed at the top. Marine peptides, among all marine products, are highly impactful due to their bioactive properties as potential nutraceutical and effective therapeutics. Therefore, this review has focused on the marine bioactive products having antioxidative effects leading to attenuate diabetes and diabetes-related complications. The manuscript also tried to understand the underlying mechanism for antidiabetic actions showed by the marine products especially marine peptides. A systematic literature review has been undergone to collect the relevant data on the said issue using authentic portals for biological and medical journals which displayed marine peptides and their derivatives having high antidiabetic effects, commercial values, wider pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. Recent advances in the understanding of the effect of marine products explored their antioxidative potentials, regulation on glucose metabolism (including insulin-regulated glucose metabolism), enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and inhibition α-amylase activities. A large number of them are already in different phases of the clinical and preclinical pipeline. This review showcases the trends and prospects of marine products in the management of diabetes and diabetes-related complications for the future with special emphasis on mechanistic approach.
Read moreInternational Convention and Prevention of Marine Pollution: Heavy Metal Concentration in the Bay of Bengal
International convention on marine pollution provided less attention for the protection of the marine environment and of the high seas beyond coastal areas. The Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment determined the concern regarding the whole marine environment, and emphatic reflection was done in the provisions of the Law of the Sea Convention. Eight heavy metals were analysed from both water and sediment samples of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The decreasing trend of metals were observed in water samples: Zn (0.91±8.11) > Ni (0.78±0.72) > Cr (0.56±0.18) > Cu (0.16±0.24) > Pb (1.32±0.21) > As (1.14±0.95) > Hg (1.00±0.04) > Cd (0.07±0.03) μg/L and in sediment samples: Zn (46.53±23.57) > Cr (22.58±7.81) > Ni (21.17±12.17) > Pb (14.64±6.65) > Cu (13.04±8.19) > As (4.06±1.62) > Hg (0.03±0.02) > Cd (0.02±0.01) mg/kg. For the sustainability of the marine resources, the integration of Ecosystem Based Management and Marine Spatial Planning (EBM-MSP) provides a platform for different levels of governing bodies and stakeholders for the transparent, smooth and progressive decision-making process, that enables monitoring and surveillance in order to manage with future uncertain conditions.
Read moreCharacteristics of Sediment in the Inner Shelf Zone of Bangladesh
The continental shelf zone of Bangladesh is one of the highest sediment deposition centers of the world. Sediment carried by the vast drainage system surrounding the shelf is widely distributed in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal, where the Swatch of No Ground (SoNG) acts as a triggering factor. In this study, the off-shore bottom sediments from six different locations (around the Bangabandhu Island, SoNG, Nijhum Dwip, Feni river mouth, Meghna estuary and Cox’s bazar) have been used for the analysis of particle size, particle shape, mineralogical properties and bio-markers. It has been found that the distribution of bottom sediments in the northern Bay is distinctive and lead by the land-ocean interface. The western part, part of central zone and eastern part of the shelf is dominated by coarse particles, whereas the greater part of the Meghna estuary is dominated by finer particles. The combined flow GangesBrhmaputra-Meghna rivers through the Meghna estuary is the main source of the coarse sediment influx. These sediments are drift westward to the SoNG. The particle shape shows that the sediments in western part are long-drifted and rich in heavy mineral concentration compare to the eastern part. The sediments in the eastern shelf are short-drifted, possibly derived from nearby hill ranges and/or localized erosion. The bio-marker (diatom) indicates that the greater portion of the Meghna estuary is a unique sediment regime and ecologically very sensitive. This estuarine belt is highly susceptible to marine pollution. However, for sustainable Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Bangladesh, interaction between land and ocean needs to be unraveled connectivity and recording the properties of sediments of the shelf zone could be a good proxy to unveil this links.
Read moreUnlocking the potentials of Blue Biotechnology for sustaining ecological balance of Bangladesh
Blue biotechnology- commonly known as marine biotechnology is considered as one of the most promising sectors in Bangladesh for sustainable development. As the movement of eco-efficient innovation gaining its popularity day by day therefore an advancement in blue biotechnology can contribute to develop a better environmental status by improvising the utilization of resources more efficiently. However, the development of eco-efficient innovations in marine biotechnology and its economic growth needs to accommodate three major network, namely political, economic, and scientific. These three triads are considered as the networking backbone of blue biotechnologies. Fine tuning and interaction of these three separate systems can contribute to the creation of a green sphere. The concept of this ecological sphere or green sphere in blue biotechnology eventually leads to invention of eco-friendly products. After the historical settlement of maritime dispute over India and Myanmar, the total maritime area Bangladesh approximates 207000 square kilometers which has enormous potential for the development of eco-efficient products by blue biotechnology. Though marine biotechnology has a wide-ranging scope but the degree of ecological modernization of sector greatly varies depending on need. At present, Bangladesh is solely depended on land-based food products. While the number of populations is rising exponentially, our land area is losing greenery everyday due to excessive use of land area for farming and creating habitat. Apart from this, our current industries and technologies are not up to the mark to meet the demand of such massive needs. Therefore, time has come to adopt new strategies to maintain ecological balance and save the habitats from further extinction. This article focuses on the necessity of blue biotechnology for supporting the growing needs and thus maintaining the ecological balance for a green Bangladesh.
Read moreStudy on The Hydraulics During The Construction of A Closure In A Tidal Channel at Meghna Estuary
The study was conducted to assess the hydrodynamic changes during construction of a closure in a 4 km wide tidal channel between Subornachar and Swarnadip island located in the Meghna Estuary. Two construction methods have been considered - vertical and horizontal closing method. A 2D hydrodynamic model, MIKE-21FM, has been set up for the simulations of critical hydrodynamics at different construction stages of these two closing methods. For the horizontal closing method, seven construction stages were considered and for the vertical closing method five construction stages were considered. Model simulation shows that the maximum flow velocities during the construction of the closure simulated during neap flood tide vary from 1.43 m/s to 4.76 m/s at different stages of horizontal closing. For the vertical closing method, the simulated maximum flow velocities vary from 2.76 m/s to 3.88 m/s during neap flood tide. For such a wide channel having a width of 4 km, the vertical closing method of closure construction prevails more feasible as it has lower flow velocities during final construction stage as compared to horizontal closing method.
Read moreExploring Marine Tourism Potentials in Bangladesh
Marine and Coastal tourism, one of the largest components of the tourism industry, is emerging as one of the most promising areas of the tourism sector in particular for the developing nations. While Bangladesh is rich in immense marine and coastal tourism resources, most of the potential for marine tourism remains unexplored; in particular, the tourism prospect of the Bay of Bengal is still in its infancy, making it an unutilized economic area. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on exploring the potentials of marine tourism in the context of Bangladesh. This paper is guided by a qualitative research approach in which both the primary and secondary data collection techniques have been utilized, and following thematic analysis and content analysis techniques, the collected data is analyzed. Based on the findings, the paper presents a number of recommendations for the development of marine tourism products and destinations for Bangladesh. This research is one of the first attempts in Bangladesh that have covered up a very timely and unexplored research area, and it is expected to help both macro and micro level administrators affiliated with tourism, educational institutions, and set a benchmark for future marine tourism researchers in Bangladesh.
Read moreGeomorphic Characteristics of Coastal Beach using Geospatial Techniques: a Case Study of Kuakata Beaches, Bangladesh
Coastal land formations along the beaches of Kuakata have experienced a dramatic shift of form and structure, both natural and anthropogenic interference. This is an application to map coastal landforms around the coast utilizing remote sensing and GIS techniques. Spatial data sources such as topographic charts, Landsat images, GCPs data and SRTM DEM databases have been comprehensively studied to analyze coastal landforms. Twenty-three geomorphic features covering 23.61 km2 were identified and further regionalized into three geographic processes. There is a need for time to consider unsustainable coastal structures in these geographical processes by finetuning the construction parameters and, at the same time, enable coastal systems to respond naturally to any form of variability. That flood plains comparatively have a low slope with fatter surface and cover grater area and complex fluvio-marine environment formed coastal upland which has a steeper slope. This paper intends to contribute several suggestions to the sustainable management of coastal resources and transforming quality ecosystem services for the future generation.
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