Flood protection: A natural defense system

Globally, mangroves provide an estimated $855 billion in flood protection services, according to the research of Center for Coastal Climate Resilience at UC Santa Cruz. The Sundarbans itself plays a pivotal role in this contribution, offering irreplaceable protection to Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal areas, where densely populated communities face recurring threats from cyclones and flooding. Its value extends far beyond national borders, exemplifying the critical importance of preserving such ecosystems for global climate resilience. The Sundarbans, spread over 6000 square kilometers in Bangladesh and about 4000 square kilometers in India, is a critical shield against floods and cyclones for the densely populated coastal regions of Bangladesh. Using advanced flood risk models, researchers have shown that mangroves, such as those in the Sundarbans, reduce storm surges and protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

The research, conducted by project co-lead, Pelayo Menendez and center director, Michael W. Beck, is featured in the World Bank’s 2024 edition of The Changing Wealth of Nations. As highlighted by the research, the value of mangroves for flood-risk reduction has grown exponentially due to rising coastal populations and increasing climate threats. For Bangladesh, which experiences frequent cyclones, the Sundarbans is a natural barrier that significantly mitigates the impact of these disasters. The devastating Cyclone Sidr in 2007 serves as a stark reminder of how mangroves save lives—areas with dense mangrove cover reported fewer casualties and less infrastructure damage. Furthermore, these natural defenses minimize the long-term economic losses often associated with such disasters.

Biodiversity and livelihoods

The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to iconic species such as the Bengal tiger, spotted deer and countless aquatic organisms. It serves as a nursery ground for fish and crabs, ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries. This biodiversity directly supports the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing, honey collection, and eco-tourism. Beyond these tangible benefits, the Sundarbans also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for local communities.

However, human activities specially brackish water shrimp farming and deforestation have contributed to the degradation of mangroves. Despite this, studies show that the protective benefits provided by mangroves have grown—protecting 61% more people and safeguarding 109% more capital assets from floods in 2020 compared to a decade earlier. This underscores the increasing reliance on these natural assets for coastal resilience. The Sundarbans’ ecosystem services act as a safety net for many vulnerable communities, making its conservation a matter of both ecological and human survival.

Economic and climate benefits

Mangroves, including the Sundarbans, are crucial for Bangladesh’s climate adaptation strategies. By sequestering large amounts of carbon, they help combat global warming. The Sundarbans plays a key role in reducing the country’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Moreover, mangroves offer a cost-effective alternative to artificial infrastructure like seawalls, which require significant financial investments and maintenance.

Sustainable aquaculture is gaining momentum as a means of balancing food security with environmental conservation. In Bangladesh, organization like FISHBYTE, an aqua-tech impact startup pioneering efforts to modernize shrimp farming, enabling higher yields from existing land while integrating mangrove restoration into farming practices. Their innovative approach demonstrates how Bangladesh’s low-yield aquaculture can be transformed into climate-smart solutions, supporting biodiversity, enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing the need for land conversion. By incorporating mangrove plantations into aquaculture systems, it exemplifies how environmental restoration can align with economic development, creating a win-win scenario.

The economic benefits of the Sundarbans extend beyond flood protection. The World Bank’s Changing Wealth of Nations report emphasizes mangroves as natural capital assets with long-term value. For Bangladesh, preserving the Sundarbans is not just an environmental necessity but also a smart economic choice. It safeguards fisheries, promotes tourism, and ensures the well-being of coastal communities. The region’s fisheries, for instance, contribute significantly to local and national economies, underscoring the forest’s role in food security and job creation.

Challenges and the way forward

Despite the Sundarbans’ immense value, it faces threats from illegal logging, industrial pollution, and climate change. Rising salinity and reduced freshwater flow from upstream rivers are deteriorating the forest’s health. Additionally, unchecked industrial activities and unplanned urbanization exacerbate these challenges, putting both the ecosystem and the communities it supports at risk. Bangladesh must prioritize mangrove conservation and restoration as part of its national climate-adaptation policies.

Innovative approaches like integrating mangrove restoration with aquaculture demonstrate how sustainable practices can balance economic needs with environmental conservation. By promoting climate-smart aquaculture and integrating mangrove restoration Bangladesh can address the twin challenges of food security and ecosystem preservation.

Investing in the Sundarbans will yield dividends in disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and economic growth. Learning from global initiatives, such as the Coastal Resilience Explorer tool developed by the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, can help Bangladesh implement innovative strategies to protect and expand its mangrove cover. Moreover, community engagement and education are critical to fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for mangrove conservation among local populations.

Global perspectives and local actions

The Sundarbans is part of a broader global network of mangroves that collectively act as climate regulators and biodiversity hotspots. Countries like Vietnam, India, and Indonesia have implemented successful mangrove restoration programs, offering valuable lessons for Bangladesh. These initiatives highlight the importance of government support, community involvement and private sector partnerships in achieving sustainable outcomes. Bangladesh can draw inspiration from these models while tailoring strategies to its unique socio-economic and ecological context.

International collaboration also plays a pivotal role. As climate change knows no borders, global efforts to fund and support mangrove conservation are essential. Bangladesh can leverage its position as a vulnerable yet resilient nation to advocate for increased international assistance and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on mangrove preservation.

Last but not least

The Sundarbans is more than a mangroves forest; it is Bangladesh’s first line of defense against climate-induced disasters and a cornerstone of its environmental and economic resilience. By recognizing the Sundarbans as a natural asset and integrating its conservation into national development plans, Bangladesh can secure a sustainable future for its people while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

The post The vital role of Sundarban mangrove forest in Bangladesh especially against floods and cyclones appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

During this period, all activities, including fishing, tourism, and the movement of vessels, are halted to create a safe breeding environment. The restriction helps maintain the biodiversity of the Sundarbans, ensuring that fish and wild animals can reproduce without disturbances. This effort is vital for preserving the forest’s rich wildlife, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.

As the Sundarbans reopen date approaches, local communities, including fishers and tour operators, are preparing to resume their activities. Munshi Quamruzzaman, a fisherman from Paikgachha upazila, has readied his boat and nets for fishing, while Aziz Khalifa from Koyra upazila highlights the dependency of local livelihoods on the Sundarbans.

The annual closure is challenging for locals who rely on the forest for their livelihood. Despite this, the conservation efforts are essential for the long-term sustainability of the Sundarbans’ natural resources.

Tourism businesses are also preparing for the influx of visitors, with around 250,000 to 300,000 tourists expected to visit the Sundarbans each year. The reopening marks the beginning of the tourist season, bringing significant economic benefits to the region.

The Sundarbans is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 114 Royal Bengal Tigers, 200,000 deer, 375 species of wildlife, 334 species of plants, and 300 species of birds. The Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP), implemented in 2019, recommended the closure of the Sundarbans’ rivers and canals during the breeding season to protect these species, a restriction that was extended to three months in 2021.

The reopening of the Sundarbans is a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation and livelihood, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in protecting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

The post Sundarbans to reopen after 3 month conservation closure appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

A world-renowned ecosystem, the Sundarbans are considered to be one of the most complex and delicate on the planet. In total, it covers 44% of Bangladesh’s forest land and 4.2% of its total land area. The mangroves provide habitat for 210 fish species, 24 shrimp species, 14 crab species, 43 mollusk species, and more than 260 bird species. 

Besides performing ecological functions, the Sundarbans provide support for livelihoods as well. Approximately 3.5 million people live in the vicinity of the Sundarbans, and they are directly or indirectly dependent upon this forest. The mangrove forest provides the bulk of the livelihoods and subsistence for the rural residents who live within 20 km of the forest boundary, also known as the influence zone. The majority of the dependent population is illiterate and poor.

Furthermore, the production of domestic fisheries in Bangladesh is 1.7% derived from this mangrove forests. Fish products from this mangrove forest brought in US$ 158,368 in 2014–2015, with an estimated 10.37 metric tons (MT) of fish collected daily from the Sundarbans.

This incredible ecosystem, however, is under threat due to several factors, including Poison fishing.

The poison used in the Sundarbans may persist for months or even years, reducing aquatic species’ reproduction capacities, affecting their health, and reducing their numbers. Pesticide-laden water can affect fish in the deep sea when it flows into the sea.

An further repercussion of illicit fishing operations is the disturbance of the food chain in the impacted regions, which poses a risk to the forest’s aquatic biodiversity. It is not just fish that are being killed by such illegal activities, but all kinds of marine life are also being negatively affected. In this way, fish worth crores were poisoned each year, and breeding was severely hindered. Having consumed poison, these fish are also being sold in the markets, posing serious health concerns for the general public.

Experts claim that several causes are responsible for these wrecking actions.

Residents of the Sundarbans were limited in their income sources because of periodic fishing bans imposed by the government. They use poison fishing systems and illegal fishing nets when they are allowed to enter the forest for a brief time.

Abdul Alim, a Khulna district resident who lives on the Sundarban’s southern periphery, explains the poison fishing process. 

“It’s a syrup that they use as a poison. Within minutes of spilling some water in the water body, fishes, crabs, and other aquatic species will crawl to the shore in order to save their lives,” he said.

“In this way, fishermen are able to catch a good amount of fish in the shortest amount of time, he explained.

“Those who use poison for fishing usually use engine-driven boats so they can escape without being caught,” he added.

Generally, poisoned fish are dried in remote areas inside the forest before being sold as dried fish on the local market because local people will not buy them.

Fishermen and merchants’ greed is another reason for poison fishing. Fishermen are triggered by the idea of “catching more fish in less time.”

In fact, poisoned fishing yields a quick harvest with a lot less labor involved. As a result, fishermen are immediately attracted to such activities.

Another reason is the lack of monitoring and law enforcement. In addition, some have pointed to unscrupulous forest department officials accepting bribes from fishermen in forest sanctuaries. Therefore, they allow fishermen to do whatever they want.

“An influential syndicate has influenced a group of fishermen in the Sundarbans to poison fish. In addition to affecting fish, this practice also harms aquatic animals as a result of water pollution,” said Prof Anwarul Qadir, Sundarbans Academy executive director.

And finally, the lack of knowledge also contributes to this situation. The majority of fishermen don’t realize the long-term effects of this type of fishing. Their happiness is based on getting adequate yields.

However, poison fishing has already started having an impact on Sundarbans areas. According to Golam Rasul Howladar, a fisherman from Sundarbans, this situation is dire.

The increase in poison use by fishermen has caused fish populations to decline and has even affected bird populations since birds feed on the surviving fish.

“Previously, fishing in the Sundarbans provided a significant livelihood for the families, but fishing opportunities are limited today. The family can no longer survive solely by fishing in the forest. It is hard for us to make ends meet now,” he added.

It is imperative that the Government takes action to address the dire situation. According to experts, scientific methods should be used to decide whether to limit access to the forest. Families of fishermen should get social security during the fishing prohibition to help with their financial difficulties. Experts also recommend providing alternative livelihood options to forest-dependent communities.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Sundarbans ecosystem faces serious crisis: poison fishing demands urgent action before it’s too late! appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Year after year, thousands of fishermen and their hired workforce flock to this vibrant locale, driven by the mission to catch and process an array of seafish.

This season, the forest department has granted permission for the setup of 108 temporary houses and 78 depots, catering to the accommodation needs of fishermen and facilitating the preservation of dried fish. The Sundarbans will witness the deployment of 1500 trawlers, capturing and processing fish to be sun-dried.

Dublar Char is already bustling with activity as permits for fish harvesting have been issued. In the previous year, the government reaped BDT 60 million (US $545 thousand) in revenue from this bustling village. This year, an ambitious target of BDT 70 million (US $636 thousand) has been set.

Various fish species, including Loitta (Bombay duck), Faissa (mullet), Koral (Asian Sea Bass / Barramundi), Pomfret, Chhuri (Ribbonfish), Tuna and more, undergo processing at Dublar Char. The demand for dried fish from this region is particularly high, given the chemical preservative and pesticide free processing methods employed.

Rabiul Islam, a fisherman from Rampal Upazila, shares his experience of a busy day spent crafting makeshift houses with bamboo, polythene, and hogla (long dry grass used for sheds) upon arriving at Dublar Char.

Shahid Mallik, president of Matsyajibi Samity (a fishermen association), notes the influx of thousands of fishermen, some already present in the area while others venture into the sea for fishing expeditions.

Dilip Majumdar, the officer-in-charge of Alorkol camp, describes the industrious scene of fishermen constructing temporary shelters, a process taking two to three days for completion. Simultaneously, some fishermen engage in processing their catch under the open sky.

Rana Deb, assistant forest conservator of Sundarbans East zone, outlines that the dried fish processing season commenced on November 3 and will persist until March 31 next year. During this period, fishermen will reside in Alorkol, Majherkella, Narikelbaria, and Shelar Char for five months.

Sheikh Mahbub Hasan, assistant conservator of the Sundarbans Forests under Sharankhola Range, emphasizes the need for vigilance, ensuring that no one, masquerading as fishermen, commits crimes on Dublar Char. As the vibrant season unfolds, Dublar Char stands as a dynamic hub, embodying the rich tradition of dried fish processing and coastal camaraderie.

The post Dry fish season kicks off at Dublar char in the Sundarbans appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

By equipping these 350 fishermen with their own tools, this initiative empowers them to regain control over their livelihoods, which have often been at the mercy of financial limitations. To cater to the diverse needs of the beneficiary group, the project includes the provision of two different types of boats: large engine-powered boats and small boats, along with accompanying nets.

The donation of 10 large engine-powered boats and nets plays a crucial role in enabling deep-sea fishing and enhancing the catch of Hilsha fish. These larger boats open up new opportunities for the fishermen, allowing them to explore richer fishing grounds and improve their catch.

Furthermore, 50 small boats and nets will be distributed to cater to the specific needs of fishing within the intricate mangrove forest area. These small boats are essential for capturing white fish and will provide the fishermen with a diverse range of fishing options.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, emphasized the challenges faced by communities in the Sundarbans, including poverty and limited access to essential resources. Fishermen in these areas often struggle to make ends meet, burdened by the costs of fishing equipment and prohibitively expensive loans.

Bijoy stated, “To enhance participation across these communities, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is proud to provide 350 fishermen with access to 60 boats and nets. This initiative will go a long way to emancipate them from the shackles of prohibitively expensive loans and offer them greater financial independence.”

The partnership between Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC signifies a pioneering agreement to drive sustainable change in the Sundarbans. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed by Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, underlining the commitment to improving the lives of Sundarbans fishermen.

This collaborative effort by Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC not only promises a brighter future for the fishermen of the Sundarbans but also sets an example of corporate social responsibility and environmental preservation. By focusing on the empowerment of local communities, this initiative brings hope and opportunities to those who depend on the bounties of the Sundarbans for their livelihoods.

The post Standard Chartered and BRAC join hands to uplift the livelihoods of 350 fishermen based in the Sundarbans appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Sundarbans is the world’s biggest mangrove forest, located partially in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal and partly in Bangladesh. A delta between the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and the Bay of Bengal covers 30% of the forest.

Water and soil salinity in the Sundarbans’ area has grown considerably, with forecasts that several portions of the region might reach near ocean-level salinity by 2050. Because of significant siltation, sea level rise, climate change, and excessive aquaculture activities, salt levels in the Sundarbans have been continuously increasing.

Cyclones rose by 26% in the Bay of Bengal around the Sundarbans between 1881 and 2001. Furthermore, research has shown that the incidence of very severe cyclones in the post-monsoon season has increased significantly between 2000 and 2018.

“Salinity has grown at an alarming rate due to sea-level rise, storms, and land subsidence. The Sundarbans terrain is predicted to fragment significantly as a result of climate change, resulting in habitat loss for many endangered species.,” said Tuhin Ghosh, Associate Professor at Jadavpur University’s School of Oceanographic Studies.

Furthermore, shrimp farming has been the most brutal destruction of vast portions of Sundarbans. The number of shrimp ponds created around the outer edge for harvesting shrimp fry reduces the reserve site of the mangrove forest.

Vannamei shrimp, a non-native species, have been substituted with freshwater prawns, which flourish in the newly restored habitat. The rigorous fishing strain feed on prawn fry as well as other essential revering species that breed in coastal areas. It also degrades the environment of coastal habitats.

“The fast spread of brackish-water aquaculture in the Sundarbans create risks on long-term implications such as increased salinity, diminished biodiversity, and socioeconomic impacts,” said Tim Daw, a researcher at Stockholm Resilience Centre, who is one of the authors behind a study recently published in Ambio.

To combat such dire conditions, the Indian government has made a brave initiative. As a result, the excavation of the creeks began. The government, on the other hand, got World Bank assistance to expand the excavation operations.

However, creek excavation has improved the flow of fresh water, reduced salinity, and revolutionized farming patterns. 

The creeks increased water and sediment channelization has improved water flow and reduced stagnant pools where salt accumulated. These creeks additionally avoid salt water from getting into freshwater systems. Sediment removal from creeks helps to reduce accumulated salts, improving water quality.  The creeks also allowed for the growth of giant prawns, commonly known as ‘galda chingri’.

The Indian Sundarbans region has definitely recovered as a result of its embrace of this sustainable creek excavation initiative.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Creek restoration brings relief: salinity in the Sundarbans reduced appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Shyama Prasad Roy, officer-in-charge of Kashiabad Forest Station in Sundarbans, said, “Fishing has been banned in all rivers and canals of Sundarbans for 92 days from June 1, and tourist entry has also been banned. All types of pass-permits to enter the Sundarbans will be closed. At this time, the forest department will take a strict stand to stop wildlife hunting and fishing. The shrimp fry and crab seed collection is also stopped.

He said, ‘Most of the fish in the rivers and canals of Sundarbans lay their eggs during the three months of breeding season from June to August. Due to this reason, fishing in all rivers and canals has been stopped from June 1 to August 31 every year since 2019 to protect the fishery resources of the Sundarbans.

Abdul Hakim, officer-in-charge of Kalabagi Ecotourism Center of Sundarbans, said, “The main purpose of blocking access to Sundarbans for three months is to increase fish reproduction. As a result, the travel of visitors to all the tourist centers of Sundarbans will be closed. Because, during this time, if the tourist boats move in the river and canal, the breeding activities of the fish will be disturbed.

According to the information of the Forest Department, the Sundarbans has total 6 thousand 17 square kilometers of watershed. Bangladesh has 1 thousand 874.1 square kilometers, which is 31.15 percent of the entire Sundarbans water area. There are 210 species of fish, 24 species of shrimps, 14 species of crabs in the waters of Sundarbans.

The post The 92 days ban has started in Sundarbans appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Fishermen of Khulna’s Sundarbans coastal area having a busy time as the three-month ban has ended.

Fishermen who went fishing in the Sundarbans have caught many species of fish including Harina Shrimp, Chaka shrimp and wild caught Black Tiger shrimp as well.

After the first seven days of opening the Sundarbans coastal fishermen have returned to the coast after catching heap of fishes. They said that they found a lot of shrimp for them in the Sundarbans deep forest.

They are expecting to get more like this rest of the season as well.

Jamal Uddin, a fisherman from Maharajpur area of ​​Koira, said,
‘After opening the Sundarbans on September 1st, went and started fishing. Got a lot of them.’

Rezaul Karim, a forest fisherman from North Bedkashi area, said, ‘I been expecting to get more since the ban on fishing in the Sundarbans went off and finally that happened. On the first day, I cast a net towards the “Kali” channel of the Sundarbans. when I pull the net, there are lot of shrimps. And the next few days I had many as well. ‘

Fish landing stations are now busy with workers activities. Fisherman’s success bring luck for the fish traders. They are spending a busy time buying fishes as per the requirements from their customers and sending them to different large markets.

Helal Uddin, a trader of Koira Deulia Bazar Fish Aarot, said, “We are buying shrimps at different prices according to their sizes. Fortunately there are not much of smallest sizes are coming in; fairly large sized of Harina shrimps are available I am buying them up to Tk 600-700 per kg.
Bagda shrimps or wild caught Black Tiger shrimps per mon (40 kilograms) are being purchased at Tk 40,000-45,000 (470-530 usd). But by course of time, price may decrease a bit.’

Koira Kasiabad Forest Station Officer Md. Aktaruzzaman said, “The density of fish in the Sundarbans increased due to the 92-day ban announced by the government. As a result, after many days fishes are being found in the Sundarbans. Hopefully the fishermen will get more fish when the full moon begins.’

Bangladesh Gov’t has taken many steps to increase the fish production from natural habitats, it is one of the project that has started returning the benefits.

Aminul Haque, Koira Upazila Fisheries Officer said that there are 13,526 registered fishermen in Koira who are eligible to catch fishes in the Sundarbans. The fish from the Sundarbans are supplied to the country’s local market and also get exported to the foreign countries.

The post Shrimp from the Sundarbans has increased appeared first on Seafood Network BD.