Biological aspects of the coastal and marine environment of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, which has a warm tropical climate and abundant annual rainfall, has very rich coastal waters; these support diverse and abundant marine life. The coastal and marine environment is becoming increasingly important in fulfilling social, economic, development and strategic objectives of the country. The biological character is briefly reviewed to provide a background to the main habitats and their condition. The marine resources are described, while emphasis is given to living resources, particularly ecosystems and fisheries. Of the inter-tidal ecosystems, mangroves are the most diverse and highly productive and very important regionally. Considering the major regional and global context, fisheries and aquaculture are important, particularly for penaeid shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and also for pomfret, hilsa shed, bombay duck, mackerel, eel, ribbon fish, snapper, cat fish and Indian salmon. Oil, domestic, urban and industrial pollutants are a problem in several parts of the coastal zone, although effects on ecosystem structure and function are generally not well known. The coastal zone is also fast becoming the depository for solid wastes. The orientation towards coastal management action requires clear guidance, a well-organized government structure, and — most importantly — a well defined set of objectives and actions.