Ocean governance in Bangladesh: Necessities to implement structure, policy guidelines, and actions for ocean and coastal management

Abstract

After the permanent demarcation of Exclusive Economic Zone boundaries with Myanmar and India through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Bangladesh has exclusive rights to exploit and to explore marine resources across 118,813 km2 in the Bay of Bengal. To reap economic benefits from maritime space, the government of Bangladesh recently emphasized the development of a blue economy. Maritime economic activities, including shipping, trade, fishing, fishing industries, mineral extraction, exploitation of hydrocarbons, salt production, production of renewable energy, and marine and coastal tourism, are key elements of the maritime interests of policymakers. However, the safety of maritime activities also raises concerns that include shipping accidents, smuggling, and illegal fishing, which pose threats to maritime interests. Enhancing blue economic growth and protecting marine and coastal environments are essential to ensure maritime security. Therefore, in the framework of a comprehensive ocean governance approach, we suggest establishing a separate Ministry of Ocean Affairs with essential functions to formulate an integrated coastal and marine strategy, to address the policy guidelines, and to implement action plans for coastal management in Bangladesh.