Bangladesh is stepping up efforts to tap vast potentials of its ‘Blue Economy’ through policy initiatives targeting sustainable marine fishing, mericulture, crab farming, deep-sea fishing and marine research, while offshore energy exploration remains as a key area requiring greater investment and technical capacity.
Despite its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal and rich marine resources, Bangladesh has yet to make substantial progress in commercial deep-sea fishing and offshore oil and gas exploration compared to regional neighbours- India and Myanmar.
Experts believe that effective implementation of policies, modern technology, scientific research and stronger regulatory oversight will be crucial to turning the maritime sector into a major driver of economic growth, export diversification and employments.
The government has prepared several draft guidelines and policy initiatives to improve marine resource management, strengthen fisheries production and expand investment in maritime industries.
These measures aim to balance commercial exploration with the conservation of marine biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of ocean resources.
Talking to the national news agency BSS, Petrobangla Chairman Abdul Mannan said they have already made exploration offers for all 26 offshore blocks under a significantly relaxed framework.
Since gas reserves have been found in Bhola and Feni along the seashore, he said the government is hopeful of exploring gas reserves in the offshore as well.
The Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2026, which will replace the Model PSC 2024, introduces major revisions to the country’s offshore production sharing framework, including revised gas pricing mechanisms, pipeline investment support and additional financial incentives for unsuccessful exploration wells.
Chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Dr Md Rafiqul Islam told BSS that the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources have been working on various fields to tap the vast potentials related to ‘Blue Economy’.
He said if new gas reserves could be found through exploring the offshore gas fields, then it would be hugely beneficial for the country.
“Huge prospects are there in the energy sector under the Blue Economy related initiatives,” he added.
Policy frameworks for sustainable fishing:
The draft National Mericulture Policy identifies marine aquaculture as a potential source of food security, export earnings and employments.
According to a June 2026 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bangladesh ranks second globally in fish caught from rivers, lakes and wetlands, and fifth in farmed fish production.
These achievements are undoubtedly a source of pride and have made the fisheries sector an increasingly important contributor to the country's food security.
According to the Bangladesh Economic Survey 2025, total fish production rose to 5.255 million tonnes in the 2024-25 fiscal year, exceeding the national annual demand of around five million tonnes.
Official at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said the draft policy calls for a dedicated framework to expand marine farming, encourage investment and develop production technologies while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
The proposed policy could help diversify fisheries production beyond conventional coastal fishing and create opportunities for seaweed cultivation, marine aquaculture and other marine-based industries.
The government has also drafted the Guidelines on Sustainable Crab Production, Harvesting, Management and Export, 2026, to improve production practices, protect crab biodiversity and increase export earnings.
The proposed guidelines focus on attracting investment, reducing post-harvest losses, improving cold-chain facilities, developing value-added products and strengthening coordination among stakeholders.
Better farming and harvesting practices are expected to improve product quality and help Bangladesh compete in international markets.
Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries has prepared the draft High Seas Fishing Guidelines, 2026, to regulate Bangladesh-flagged fishing vessels operating beyond the country's exclusive economic zone.
The proposed framework covers vessel licensing, fishing operations, catch reporting, transhipment, traceability, monitoring, crew safety and enforcement.
It places particular emphasis on preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and ensuring compliance with relevant national laws and international fisheries requirements.
The guidelines could provide a regulatory foundation for expanding Bangladesh's fishing activities into international waters. However, their effective implementation will require reliable vessel-monitoring systems, scientific stock assessments, controls on fishing capacity and adequate enforcement resources.
Marine conservation and export ambitions:
The government has also taken steps to strengthen marine conservation. Two new marine protected areas at Kuakata and Salimpur were declared through gazette notifications bringing the number of nationally declared marine protected or marine reserve areas to seven.
The designations are intended to protect marine habitats and support fisheries sustainability alongside the government's ambition to raise fisheries exports to $1 billion by 2030, from around $450 million in fiscal year 2024-25.
Marine protected areas can help restore fish stocks and preserve biodiversity, but their effectiveness depends on enforcement, scientific monitoring, sustainable financing and the participation of coastal fishing communities.
The government has already allocated Tk200 crore for blue economy research and development in the current fiscal year's budget, including Tk100 crore for a dedicated Blue Economy Research Fund.
Offshore energy and maritime industries:
Offshore energy exploration remains another major area of untapped potential. The government has signed a new production-sharing contract for offshore exploration and is working to increase domestic gas production through planned drilling activities.
Shipping, Railways and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam highlighted the potential of these sectors at a recent event.
He also referred to initiatives to enhance the capacities of Chattogram and Mongla ports, develop a deep-sea port at Matarbari and improve the operational efficiency of Payra port.
State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki has also recently said that the government had planned to drill 150 onshore gas wells, with initiatives to drill 30 wells in the current fiscal year, three of which were already operational.
Beyond fisheries and energy, Bangladesh has opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair and recycling, port management, maritime transport, logistics and offshore services.
Developing these industries will require stronger links between ports and production centres, improved infrastructure, skilled technical personnel and greater private-sector participation.
Turning plans into results:
Bangladesh's blue economy ambitions will depend on translating policy proposals into effective implementation. Coordination among government agencies, universities, research institutions and the private sector will be important for developing reliable marine data, improving resource management and attracting investment.
With draft frameworks covering mericulture, crab production and high-seas fishing, alongside new conservation measures and proposed research funding, Bangladesh has begun establishing a policy foundation for developing its blue economy.
The key challenge is to strengthen enforcement, mobilise investment and build scientific and technical capacity so that the country's maritime resources can contribute more effectively to export growth, energy security, employment and sustainable economic development.