We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Economic and Environmental Impacts of Maritime Pollution on Bangladesh’s Blue Economy: Policy Implications for Sustainable Development
AI summary Read the abstract
Maritime pollution in Bangladesh causes significant economic losses across fisheries, tourism, and transport sectors, with industrial discharge and plastic waste identified as primary pollution sources, while existing legislation lacks comprehensive environmental sustainability frameworks. This case study highlights how plastic waste entering marine systems undermines coastal blue economies, underscoring the urgent need for effective microplastic governance in developing nations.
Maritime pollution poses a critical threat to Bangladesh’s blue economy, significantly impacting marine fisheries, maritime tourism and transport sectors that are essential for sustainable development. This research analyzes the economic and environmental impacts of maritime pollution on Bangladesh’s blue economy and proposes policy implications for sustainable maritime development. This research employs a qualitative methodology using secondary data from government reports, surveys and academic literature to provide comprehensive insights into pollution-related challenges. Key findings reveal substantial economic losses across maritime sectors, including 17.75% post-harvest losses in fisheries, reduced tourism revenues in coastal areas like Cox’s Bazar and the Sundarbans, and increased operational costs for maritime transport. The research identifies industrial discharge (60%), plastic waste and oil spills as primary pollution sources, with pollution hotspots concentrated in Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna regions. The analysis exposes critical inadequacies in existing legislation, particularly the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones (Amendment) Act, 2021 and the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020, which lack comprehensive environmental sustainability frameworks. The research concludes that current regulatory mechanisms are insufficient to address maritime pollution’s multifaceted impacts on Bangladesh’s blue economy potential. Key recommendations include establishing a centralized Maritime Pollution Control Authority (MPCA), modernizing environmental protection legislation, implementing the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) and promoting green shipping practices and eco-tourism initiatives to ensure sustainable maritime development aligned with SDG objectives.
More Papers Like This
Marine Pollution and Sustainable Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal: Challenges and Opportunities for Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed marine pollution in the Bay of Bengal affecting Bangladesh's blue economy, identifying plastic and microplastic pollution from land-based runoff, fishing activities, and shipbreaking as major threats to fisheries and sustainable marine resource use.
Towards a Cleaner Bay: Combating Marine Pollution to Revive Coastal Biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
The Bay of Bengal faces severe marine pollution from industrial waste, plastic debris, agricultural runoff, and oil spills that are degrading coastal biodiversity including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds across Bangladesh's coastline. This review directly implicates plastic pollution — including microplastics — as a primary driver of ecosystem degradation, and identifies enforcement gaps and regional cooperation failures hindering effective remediation.
Maritime Pollution in Pakistan and Its Impact on Marine Life: Challenges and Way Forward
AI summary Read the abstract
This study provided a comprehensive analysis of marine pollution sources, types, and impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities in Pakistan, reviewing domestic and international legislation. The authors recommend short- and long-term mitigation measures including oil spill response preparedness, resilient infrastructure investment, and plastic pollution eradication initiatives.
Microplastics in the ocean: under the blue economy perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examines plastic and microplastic pollution in the ocean from a blue economy perspective, analyzing both the ecological impacts and the socioeconomic costs of marine plastic contamination. The paper argues for a holistic approach to managing marine plastic pollution that integrates scientific, economic, and policy dimensions.
Plastic pollution in Bangladesh: A review on current status emphasizing the impacts on environment and public health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed plastic pollution in Bangladesh — including its magnitude, sources, and health and environmental consequences — and found that microplastic contamination is widespread but poorly monitored, with limited national policy response relative to the scale of the problem.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.