Enhanced Awareness to Coastal Ecology: Protecting Endangered Species of the Bay of Bengal

Abstract

This document outlines the importance of the coastal ecosystem, coastal resources, causes of species extinction, techniques to save the endangered species, governmental acts and policies, conservation trends and challenges in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has an extensive maritime boundary blessed with rich coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal ecosystems have supported human communities for centuries by providing excellent services and influencing human well-being. As the human population of Bangladesh continues to grow, more fish, marine resources and other wildlife species have been put at risk by the loss and fragmentation of critical habitats, climate change, the introduction of non-native species and other environmental factors. Population increases the acceleration of the process of extinction of various marine resources. Out of 57 marine animals, 15 bony fish, 34 cartilaginous fish, five reptiles and three mammals (dolphin and porpoise) are found in the Bay of Bengal under different threatened categories prescribed by IUCN. The government of Bangladesh is aware of the species extinction and has adopted several laws and acts to conserve coastal and marine biodiversity. The success of conservation actions is highly dependent on various stakeholders such as governments, communities, the private sector, and academics. Differences in the interest of these stakeholders often lead to the failure of conservation programs. However, existing comprehensive actions, legislation and improved coordination among government, community, private sector, and academics will be improved significantly to overcome the upcoming conservation challenge.