Sustainable Utilization Challenges and Opportunities of the Blue Economy Resources in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Blue Economy, emphasizing the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources, presents both immense opportunities and pressing challenges. Following maritime boundary settlements with India and Myanmar, the country gained an exclusive economic zone of 118,813 km² and an extended continental shelf of 37,000 km² in the Bay of Bengal, offering substantial potential in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, shipping, and marine biotechnology. The study synthesizes secondary data to examine the sustainable utilization of resources under the blue economy. Marine fisheries contribute 17% of national fish production, supporting millions of livelihoods, while ecosystems such as the Sundarbans and Saint Martin’s Island provide vital biodiversity and climate resilience services. Yet, climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and fragmented governance threaten long-term sustainability, compounded by poverty and gender inequities. Opportunities exist through fisheries modernization, integrated aquaculture, renewable energy, ecosystem-based adaptation, marine biotechnology, eco-tourism, and regional cooperation. Effective policy interventions, including a National Ocean Policy, a dedicated Blue Economy Authority, strengthened regulation, innovative financing, and community empowerment, are essential. The findings suggest that with science-based management, ecosystem restoration, and inclusive governance, Bangladesh’s Blue Economy can drive climate-resilient growth, enhance biodiversity conservation, and secure intergenerational equity.