Saint Martin Island Research Articles

Landscape transition-induced ecological risk modeling using GIS and remote sensing techniques: a case of Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh.

Uncontrolled human activity and nature are causing the deterioration of Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh's only tropical island, necessitating sustainable land use strategies and ecological practices. Therefore, the present study measures the land use/cover transition from 1974 to 2021, predicts 2032 and 2042, and constructs the spatiotemporal features of the Landscape Ecological Risk Index based on land use changes. The study utilized Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) on Landsat images from 1974, 1988, 2001, 2013, and Sentinel 2B in 2021, achieving ≥ 80% accuracy. The MLP-MC approach was also used to predict 2032 and 2042 LULC change patterns. The eco-risk index was developed using landscape disturbance and vulnerability indices, Bayesian Kriging interpolation, and spatial autocorrelations to indicate spatial clustering. The research found that settlements increased from 2.06 to 28.62ha between 1974 and 2021 and would cover 41.22ha in 2042, causing considerable losses in agricultural areas, waterbodies, sand, coral reefs, and vegetation. The area under study showed a more uniform and homogenous environment as Shannon's diversity and evenness scores decreased. The ecological risk of Saint Martin Island increased from 4.31 to 31.05ha between 1974 and 2042 due to natural and human factors like erosion, tidal bores, population growth, coral mining, habitat destruction, and intensive agricultural practices and tourism, primarily in Nazrul Para, Galachipa, and Western Dakhin Para. The findings will benefit St. Martin Island stakeholders and policymakers by providing insights into current and potential landscape changes and land eco-management.

Assessing and Improving Land Use on Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh: Insights from a Comprehensive Survey

Saint-Martin Island, the only coral island of Bangladesh, covers an area of 8 square kilometers and is a popular tourist destination. Despite its small population of approximately 8,000 residents, effective land utilization is crucial for improving the island's economic condition. With growing population pressures and limited land availability, scientific land use planning becomes essential. This research aims to develop a comprehensive land use plan by conducting a detailed land use survey of Saint-Martin Island. A plot map was obtained from the local land office, and an onsite survey was performed to assess current land use practices. The analysis revealed that a significant portion of the land remains unused, with only 0.6% designated for farming. The majority of residents live in shanties, and multi-storied buildings are rare. Additionally, the number of educational institutions is insufficient. The study highlights the need to cease overexploitation of natural resources and convert unused lands into farmland. A strategic plan for agriculture, fishing, and sustainable resource use is recommended to ensure long-term sustainability and economic development.

Population parameters of golden ponyfish, Photopectoralis aureus and goldstripe ponyfish, Karalla daura from Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal

Golden ponyfish Photopectoralis aureus and Goldstripe ponyfish Karalla daura are small fish with less economic value. Many marine fish population parameters were not investigated because of their low commercial value. Therefore, the primary goals of this study were to determine the size frequency, length-weight relationship (LWR), length-length relationship (LLR), and Fulton’s condition factor (Kn) of two tropical ponyfishes from Saint Martin’s Island. From March to April 2022, specimens were caught using fixed purse nets. A total of 409 specimens of P. aureus and K. daura were measured to determine size frequency, LWRs, LLRs, and Fulton's condition factor. For P. aureus, the maximum total length (TL) of 12.9 cm sets a new record. The LWRs for P. aureus and K. daura were highly significant (p<0.001), where the coefficient of determination (r2) was 0.985 and 0.869 for P. aureus and K. daura, respectively. The estimated slope (b) for P. aureus and K. daura were 3.147 and 2.986, respectively. The LLR equations were TL = 1.1089 SL + 0.2689 for P. aureus and TL = 0.6792 SL + 3.3309 for K. daura. The Kn value had no significant difference between the species of different length classes for P. aureus (0.97-1.40) and K. daura (1.19-1.26). There has never been any prior reporting of LWRs or length-length relationships (LLRs) for P. aureus in literature or FishBase. The study's findings may benefit the management and conservation of these ponyfishes. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 105-114

Compositional, structural, and functional characterization of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum polycystum collected from Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Fucoidan is a sulphated polysaccharide with diversified biological activities commonly found in brown seaweeds. In our present study, fucoidan was extracted from Sargassum polycystum collected from Saint Martin's Island in three different extraction methods. The composition of the fucoidans was determined by measuring the total carbohydrate, sulfate, uronic acid, fucose, and protein contents. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) were studied to determine the structural groups of extracted fucoidans. Functional activities were analyzed by antioxidant activity and anti-diabetic activity assay. Fucoidan yield was obtained highest in the acid extraction method (0.061 ± 0.007 g/g), followed by the water extraction method (0.058 ± 0.005 g/g) and salt extraction method (0.041 ± 0.005 g/g). Water extracted fucoidan showed the highest carbohydrate content (62.97 %), uronic acid content (6.46 %), and protein content (2.62 %). Sulphate content (28.56 %) was highest in salt extracted fucoidan, whereas fucose content (24.0 %) was highest in water extracted fucoidan. FT-IR and 1H NMR analysis confirm several characteristic picks for the extracted fucoidans. Extracted fucoidans presented comparable antioxidant activity, but salt-extracted fucoidan presented the highest DPPH radical scavenging assay (86.85 ± 0.74 %, IC50 = 0.03 mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.13 ± 0.92 %, IC50 = 1.94 mg/mL), Phosphomolybdenum assay (4.356 ± 0.11) and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging assay (57.08 ± 0.52 %, IC50 = 3.73 mg/mL) in dose-dependency manner. Further anti-diabetic activity assay resulted in the highest α-amylase inhibition activity (62.82 ± 1.36 %, IC50 = 2.30 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition activity (55.73 ± 0.84 %, IC50 = 3.71 mg/mL) by salt-extracted fucoidan. These functional potentials of seaweed may add significant value to the development of functional food and pharmaceutical materials.

Exploring cigarette butts pollution in Saint Martin Island: A marine protected area

Saint Martin Island (SMI), the only coral island in Bangladesh, is located in the Bay of Bengal and has been identified as a marine protected area (MPA). Littering cigarette butts (CBs) waste in an ecologically sensitive environment can have numerous adverse effects. The purpose of this research is to investigate the abundance and density of CBs in SMI and to assess the pollution status using the Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI). This study is conducted based on the visual survey method in the three types of land use zones of SMI. During the peak season, the investigation was carried out from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in December 2023. A total of 4481 CBs item were counted, and the density ranged from 0.37 to 1.76 m−2 with an average value of 0.99 m−2 across 12 sampling campaigns. The highest density was observed at service zones, and the fishing zones had the lowest density. The calculated CBPI values revealed that 75 % of the sampling stations were in the “severe pollution” while 25 % were classified as “high pollution” status, underscoring the prevalence of hazardous CBs across most areas of SMI. To tackle these issues requires regulatory measures, public awareness initiatives, and community involvement. Effective waste management and eco-friendly product promotion can help reduce CBs pollution risks in marine protected islands.

Ecological risk assessment of oil & grease (OG) and heavy metals in the surface water of Naf River, Bangladesh

This study aims to fill the gap in our understanding of the distribution and ecological risk of oil and grease (OG) and toxic heavy metals in the surface water of the Naf River, a major transportation route connecting Teknaf to Saint Martin's Island in Bangladesh. Altogether, 6 sampling stations in this river were assessed for OG and heavy metal pollution, revealing the presence of both at each station. The OG concentration is found ranging from 3.6 to 23.6 mg/L and the average concentration is 8.13 mg/L. On the other hand, the contamination factor (Cf) of the toxic heavy metals follows the descending order of Pb (63.97) > Cd (23.94) > Mn (0.94) > Ni (0.64) > Zn (0.22) > Cr (0.09) > Cu (0.04) > As (0.04) in the water samples. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and Nemerow pollution index (PN) indicate that the surface water of the study area includes high levels of pollution category due to the elevated levels of Pb, Cd, and Ni concentrations. The mean values of the single factor pollution index (Pi) for Pi(Pb), Pi(Cd) and Pi(Ni) are found 45.69, 39.41, and 6.43, which exceed the threshold limit. The ecological risk index indicates that around 25 % of the total heavy metals show a very high ecological risk and 75 % exhibit a lower ecological risk. Notably, within the very high ecological risk, Cd is responsible for 53 % of this risk, while Pb contributes the remaining 47 %. Increased OG and heavy metal concentrations in the Naf River are likely due to human activities like waste discharge from municipalities, solar power plants, pesticide use, and fishing trawlers. This research offers insights into the current state of the Naf River and guides policymakers toward more effective initiatives.

Abraeus dufaui Desbordes, 1914, est-il un Acritus, un Aeletes ou un Bacanius ? Résolution d’une énigme centenaire et mise à jour du catalogue des Histérides de Guadeloupe (Coleoptera, Histeridae)

Is Abraeus dufaui Desbordes, 1914, an Acritus, an Aeletes or a Bacanius? Solving a century-old riddle and an update of the catalogue of the Histeridae of Guadeloupe Island (Coleoptera, Histeridae). The syntypes of Abraeus dufaui Desbordes, 1914, are re-examined more than 100 years after the species was described. The seven specimens found are identified as follows: one Acritus (s. str.) ignobilis (Lewis, 1888), one Acritus (s. str.) analis Le Conte, 1853, two Acritus (s. str.) exiguus (Erichson, 1834), two Aeletes (s. str.) simpliculus (Marseul, 1856) and one Bacanius (Gomyister) ferrugineus Bickhardt, 1918. A lectotype is designated for Bacanius ferrugineus. Acritus exiguus being the oldest species among the syntypes of Abraeus dufaui, one of the two specimens of this species is designated as the lectotype of Acritus dufaui (Desbordes, 1914), a new combination which therefore becomes synonymous with Acritus exiguus. The list of Histeridae beetles of Guadeloupe Island is updated and includes currently 19 species; Acritus (s. str.) analis Le Conte, 1853, Acritus (s. str.) exiguus (Erichson, 1834), Acritus (s. str.) ignobilis (Lewis, 1888), Aeletes (s. str.) simpliculus (Marseul, 1856) and Bacanius (s. str.) scalptus Lewis, 1888, are newly recorded from this island. The aedeagus of Aeletes gulliver (Marseul, 1856), collected from Saint Martin Island, is illustrated for the first time.

Application of AHP and geospatial technologies to assess ecotourism suitability: A case study of Saint Martin's Island in Bangladesh

The study uses the Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify and assess the potentially eco-friendly, sustainable tourist locations on Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. Key informant interview (KII) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) have been used to establish a resource inventory and to set a number of sustainable tourism requirements. The suitability map for eco-friendly sustainable tourism was subsequently developed, based on the respective weights deriving from the linear combination of criteria and factors. From the analysis report, it was revealed that the areas of suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable and not suitable were 30%, 32%, 10% and 28% respectively. In this study, attempts were made to specify the degree of ecotourism suitability in the investigated area. The outcome might be useful for the development of resilient policy to design ecotourism. Similarly, this analysis can be used as a guideline for assessing eco-friendly sustainable tourism in other regions. It may also act as a point of departure for potentially more nuanced research.

Does the mouth size influence microplastic ingestion in fishes?

This study investigated microplastic (MP) contamination in six tropical fish species of different mouth sizes and trophic levels from Saint Martin's Island, Bay of Bengal. A total of 309 microplastics (MPs) were extracted from the gastrointestinal tract (GT) of these selected fishes, where the presence of MPs was 100 %. The mean abundance of MPs was significantly varied among the species and ranged from 4.38 to 10 MPs/GT (p < 0.05). This study revealed that MP incidence was strongly correlated with the mouth-to-body ratio of the selected fishes (r = 0.424, p = 0.003) and trophic levels (r = 0.458, p = 0.002). Results suggest that fish with larger mouths are more likely to ingest MPs, intentionally or unintentionally, compared to those with smaller mouths.

Modelling the role of marine protected area in biodiversity conservation

This study explored the anthropogenic stressors of a coral habitat and predicted the role of a proposed MPA around coral habitat on biodiversity conservation. The study was conducted in the Saint Martin's Island which is located in the south east coastal area of Bangladesh. Data on anthropogenic stressors were collected through intensive stakeholder survey and the role of MPA in biodiversity conservation was explored by utilizing Allometric Trophic Network model. This study identified about 16 anthropogenic stressors for the coral reef ecosystem. Increasing fishing pressure significantly reduced the species biomass while reduced fishing pressure increased the biomass of species. Biomass of the species in the system with no fishing area increased significantly (3–6%) while compared with the species biomass of an area without fishing restriction. Our simulations found that imposing fishing restriction in an exploited system significantly improve the species standing stock. Our model outputs suggest that declaration of MPA is beneficial for conservation of biodiversity. However, for sustainable implementation of conservation initiatives a proper management framework is necessary integrating diverse stakeholders.

Phylogenetic diversity and functional potential of large and cell-associated viruses in the Bay of Bengal.

The BoB, the world's largest bay, is of significant economic importance to surrounding countries, particularly Bangladesh, which heavily relies on its coastal resources. Concurrently, the BoB holds substantial ecological relevance due to the region's high vulnerability to climate change-induced impacts. Yet, our understanding of the BoB's microbiome in relation to marine food web and biogeochemical cycling remains limited. Particularly, there are little or no data on the viral diversity and host association in the BoB. We examined the viral community in two distinct BoB coastal regions to reveal a multitude of viral species interacting with a wide range of microbial hosts, some of which play key roles in coastal biogeochemical cycling or potential pathogens. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the BoB coast harbors a diverse community of large and giant viruses, underscoring the importance of investigating understudied environments to discover novel viral lineages with complex metabolic capacities.

DNA barcoding of reef-associated fishes of Saint Martin's Island, Northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

This study employs the DNA barcoding approach to make a molecular taxonomic catalog of reef fishes of Saint Martin's Island (SMI), an ecologically critical area (ECA), and Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Bangladesh. DNA barcoding, along with morphological analysis, confirmed 84 reef-associated fish species in SMI belonging to 16 orders, 39 families, and 67 genera. A total of 184 sequences were obtained in this study where 151 sequences (534-604 bp) of 81 species were identified from the COI barcode gene and 33 sequences (609 bp) of 19 species from the 16S rRNA gene region which were submitted to the GenBank and Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Among these sequences, 70 sequences of the COI gene and 16 sequences of 16S rRNA gene region from 41 species were submitted for the first time into the GenBank from Bangladesh. For molecular characterization analysis, another 37 sequences of 15 reef fish species of SMI were added from previous studies, making a total of 221 DNA sequences which comprised 179 sequences of 96 species for the COI gene and 42 sequences of 26 species for the 16S rRNA gene region. The COI sequences contain 145 haplotypes with 337 polymorphic sites, and the mean genetic distances within species, genera, and families were calculated as 0.34%, 12.26%, and 19.03%, respectively. On the contrary, 16S rRNA sequences comprised 31 haplotypes with 241 polymorphic sites, and the mean genetic divergences within species, genera, and families were 0.94%, 4.72%, and 12.43%, respectively. This study is a significant contribution to the marine biodiversity of Bangladesh which would facilitate the assessment of species diversity for strategizing management action. It is also an important input to the DNA barcode library of reef fishes of the northern Bay of Bengal.

Issues Affecting Tourists' Satisfaction at Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh: Empirical Evidence and Suggestions

Tourist satisfaction has a significant impact on the survival and competitiveness of tourism businesses. However, issues affecting tourists??? satisfaction in relation to the developmental aspects of a destination remain largely ignored in major tourism destinations in Bangladesh. Accordingly, this study explores major issues affecting tourist satisfaction in an emerging travel destination of Bangladesh. Within a case study research design, this study collected data from Saint Martin Island, the only coral island in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected via 25 semistructured interviews while a variety of publications and unpublished materials in reference to the research objectives were reviewed as part of the secondary data source. The collected data were analyzed by employing thematic analysis and content analysis techniques. The findings reveal that during their stay at Saint Martin Island, tourists??? satisfaction is mostly affected by several issues including available attractions, accommodation facilities, touristic facilities, transportation, restaurant, and service quality. The identified issues must be considered before developing a tourist-friendly environment by catering to tourists??? expected quality for products and services. On this note, this article lays down some policy implications that could be helpful for tourism policymakers, government tourism officials, local tourism bodies, and hospitality service providers.

Metal and metalloid bioaccumulation in dried red seaweed Hypnea musciformis and health risk assessment for consumers

This study measured 22 metal and metalloid concentrations in Hypnea musciformis from the Bakkhali River estuary and Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh and determined their potential impact on consumption. Student t-tests showed a significant variation in metal concentrations between the two sampling sites (p < 0.05). Mean concentrations of Co (2.49 ± 0.05 mg/kg), Fe (793.29 ± 11.76 mg/kg), Mn (368.72 ± 4.87 mg/kg), Pb (3.82 ± 0.02 mg/kg), V (11.23 ± 0.20 mg/kg) and Zn (16.60 ± 0.28 mg/kg) were higher in samples collected from the Bakkhali River estuary compared to Saint Martin's Island, while mean concentrations of Ca (484.18 ± 4.68 mg/kg), Cd (2.44 ± 0.03 mg/kg), Mg (2112.70 ± 17.80 mg/kg), Mo (1.57 ± 0.06 mg/kg), Sr (2377.57 ± 29.98 mg/kg), and Ti (258.27 ± 4.62 mg/kg) were higher in samples collected from Saint Martin's Island. Eight heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Fe) were used to assess potential health risks for adults, but no potential health risk was detected (HQ value>1). This study reveals positive Se-HBV for H. musciformis collected from both sampling sites, indicating no potential risks involved with Hg toxicity.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of some selected seaweeds from Saint Martin's Island of Bangladesh

The effects of extracting solvents on the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of crude extracts of six seaweeds were investigated. The antioxidant activity of seaweed crude extracts was evaluated by total antioxidant activity (TAA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Acetone extract of B. wrightii showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (71.09 mg GAE/g), while methanolic extract of Porphyra sp. had the highest total flavonoid content (75.61 mg QE/g). Methanolic extract of S. muticum showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest TAA. Methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica and S. muticum showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects, while acetone extract of B. wrightii showed significantly the highest ECA0.50 value (0.78 mg/ml) of CUPRAC activity. Pearson's correlation test and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the relationship between TPC and various antioxidant activity assays of seaweed extracts. Methanolic extracts of P. tetrastromatica, S. muticum and H. clathratus showed higher inhibitory zones against all the bacterial strains than other seaweed extracts. The results of this study indicated that brown seaweeds showed comparatively better antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which could be utilized in the food processing industries.

Climate Change Impact on Land Use and Land Cover Change on Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Climate Change Impact on Land Use and Land Cover Change on Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Shoreline change detection using DSAS technique: Case of Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh

Saint Martin, Bangladesh's only coral island, is a popular tourist destination and a blue economy hub. Saint Martin's shoreline constantly changes due to natural and manmade erosion and accretion. Since no previous work has been done, this research uses geospatial and statistical methods to evaluate spatial and temporal shoreline changes on Saint Martin Island from 1974 to 2021 and anticipated changes between 2032 and 2042. The study used the Normalized Difference Water Index and Tasseled Cap Transformation tools to extract shorelines from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat satellite images with resolutions of 60 m in 1974 and 30 m in 1988, 2001, 2013, and 2021. Then, the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) calculated shoreline change for each year using End Point Rate (EPR), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), and Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) methods. Global Positioning System (GPS) was also used to measure accuracy and shoreline change intensity. Around 253 transects were placed at 50 – m intervals along the island's coast, with approximately 55% of the transects indicating erosion, the remaining indicating accretion, and just 1% in stable condition. The research reveals that Uttar Para experiences the most dramatic shoreline alterations among the five coastal zones, with minimum erosion rates of −2.21 m/yr due to high tidal waves. Aside from that, Dakhin Para has the highest accretion rates, up to a maximum of 4.81 m/yr, due to the coral colonies' protection. Nazrul Para, Purba Para, Majer Para, Deil Para, and Eastern Galachipa erode and accrete moderately. Paschim Para, Uttar Para, and the eastern edge of the Dakhin Para coastline length are exceptionally high-risk areas, according to the Shoreline Length Intensity Index. In contrast, there is a low-risk index on the western side of the Dakhin Para and Deil Para coastlines. The LRR technique yields the best shoreline change estimates, with average erosion at −2.13 m/yr and accretion at 1.4 m/yr across 12.65 km from 1974 to 2021. The Kalman Filter Model (KFM) predicts Saint Martin's coastline will erode at a minimum rate of −2.33 m/yr by 2032 and -2.73 by 2042. Conversely, the coastline could accrete 2.09 m/yr in 2032 and 2.45 m/yr in 2042. Lower NRMSE values of 0.09 provide a highly accurate KFM for shoreline validation methods. Shoreline validation has an NRMSE of 0.16, indicating better agreement between field-derived and satellite-based shoreline positions. Finally, recognizing eroding and accreting hotspots along the Saint Martin Island coast can assist academicians, policymakers, and stakeholders. The research enables coastal researchers to comprehend regional shoreline dynamics.

Impact of Climate Change on Saint Martin's Island of Bangladesh

Impact of Climate Change on Saint Martin's Island of Bangladesh

Baseline marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

Baseline marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal, were assessed. Seventy-two transects (100-150m) along 12km of coastline were surveyed for litter items every two weeks for two months. The most abundant items were polythene bags, food wrappers, plastic bottles/caps, straws, styrofoam, plastic cups, plastic fragments, fishing nets, clothes, and rubber buoys. Tourism, local markets, hotels, domestic waste, and fishing activities were primary sources of marine litter. According to the mean clean coast index (CCI), all transects were clean, of which 11.3% and 14.1% of sandy beaches and rocky shores with sandy beaches were reported dirty, respectively. Northern Saint Martin Island comprised sandy beaches (2.8%) and was extremely dirty. In addition, plastic abundance index (PAI) analysis showed that 24% of sites, out of 72 sites, were under "very high abundance", 33% were "high abundance", 33% showed "moderate abundance", and 4% were classified as "low abundance". Establishing baseline results of marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island may help improve island conservation and mitigation strategies (e.g., improved waste management, beach cleaning activities to raise public awareness, local government litter reduction policies, and increase local pro-environmental behavioral change).

Development and analysis of a geospatial database for maritime spatial planning in Bangladesh

In this research we collect, prepare and analyze a geospatial database of maritime activities located in the northern Bay of Bengal with the final aim to simulate maritime spatial planning (MSP) - ready information source for future sectoral and multi-sector MSP in Bangladesh. The database is composed of 28 anthropogenic and environmental layers categorized into seven Blue Economy sectors. The database is analyzed with a set of geospatial models aimed at understanding the intensity distribution of human activities at sea and the potential marine use conflicts emerging from the aggregation of human activities. Ecological resources were characterized in terms of marine mammals, lobsters, commercially important and threatened fish species, and pelagic birds and mapped as biodiversity hotspots using geographic cluster analysis. Results show that the most intensely used sea areas are located along the northeastern coast of Bangladesh, as well as in the Swatch of No Ground (SoNG) area, with maximum Marine Use Intensity (MUI) scores ranging from 5 to 8. Offshore waters of Saint Martin's Island have higher MUI scores (≥ 5) as well. The pairwise spatial conflict analysis shows that nature protection sites particularly SoNG Marine Protected Area (MPA), Nijhum Dwip Marine Reserve (MR), and Saint Martin's Island MPA are exposed to the high Marine Use Conflicts (MUC) induced by fishing and shipping activities. Fishing operations generate the highest MUC value (MUC=30) in SoNG MPA, whereas shipping activities produce the highest MUC value (MUC=24) in Nijhum Dwip MR. Both of the MPAs exhibit 6 to 12 MUC scores induced by shipping. The proposed database together with the illustrated analytical techniques used in this study and key findings can provide the first understanding of the priorities for Ecosystem Based Management of Bangladesh's marine space and provide valuable insights on the urgency for MSP process in the country. The study concludes with an outlook on the utility of the database for future analysis.