Advancing a Safe and Sustainable Ocean Economy in Bangladesh

The Scoping Phase aimed to identify opportunities, challenges, and actionable strategies for developing a sustainable ocean economy in Bangladesh. It focused on seafood systems, shipping and ports, offshore renewables, and finance & investment—supporting climate resilience, economic growth, and environmental conservation.

Bangladesh faces several pressing challenges. Unregulated fishing, marine pollution, and habitat degradation threaten biodiversity, while climate change impacts—such as rising sea levels and cyclones—worsen vulnerabilities. These issues are compounded by moderate infrastructure, limited technology, weak regulatory enforcement, and fragmented governance. Low stakeholder coordination and insufficient investment continue to hinder sustainable progress.

Despite these constraints, Bangladesh holds vast potential. Its maritime resources in the Bay of Bengal create strong opportunities in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, hydrocarbons, and marine biotechnology. Developing offshore energy—such as wind and tidal—can contribute to energy security, while modernizing ports and shipping can improve trade connectivity. Blue carbon initiatives and eco-tourism offer additional revenue streams, provided investments in technology, infrastructure, and policy alignment are prioritized.