Detailed survey stressed to exploit potentials of blue economy

Speakers at a seminar today observed that the government must take an initiative to conduct detailed surveys and proper documentation for exploiting maximum benefits by utilizing the ocean resources properly.

They observed this while addressing a seminar titled "Environmental Study by Visual Documentation of all Aspects of Blue Economy for Future Development Planning of the Coastal and EEZ Areas of Bangladesh” at the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka (AECD).

Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman attended the seminar as the chief guest while Director General (Additional Secretary) of Blue Economy Cell of Energy and Mineral Resources Division Engineer Golam Fakhruddin Ahmed Chowdhury was present as the special guest.

National Oceanographic and Maritime Institute (NOAMI) Chairman Professor Dr Naiyyum Choudhury presided over the seminar while its life member Sirajur Rahman Khan presented a key note paper.

Despite various limitations for research as it is very costly, Yeafesh Osman said, the government is providing all sorts of efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to make the maritime boundary fruitful for the economy through conducting research.

“Research is essential for taking benefits from the sea resources. We will move to blue economy. We should work together to make the sea resources effective for our economy,” he added.

He, however, urged the university teachers to conduct a survey for finding out the appropriate sector for the students.

Engineer Golam Fakhruddin Ahmed Chowdhury said Blue Economy Cell is planning to work with other expertise countries like Korea and China through joint venture to take manpower and technology supports from the countries for taking benefits from the ocean boundary.

Sirajur Rahman Khan emphasised on introducing the chapters on Oceanography and ‘Blue Economy’ at the tertiary education system and said skilled manpower would have to be developed through enrollment of local and foreign quality teachers for oceanography and related departments of the universities and other related institutes.

He said the government should arrange local and foreign training for researchers and relevant bureaucrats and enhance the capabilities of Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard.

He also stressed on assisting the marine fishermen in locating appropriate fishing areas in the ocean by zoning in on ocean areas rich in phytoplankton (chlorophyll) and other nutrients important to fishes.

Source: BSS