About 20 million people live in the coastal region of Bangladesh, 20 per cent of whom directly depend on the coastal and marine resources for their livelihood. They live exclusively on fishing of wild fish, along with crabs, prawns and shrimps. In addition, the mangrove ecosystem provides living support to nearly 300,000 coastal people through fishing, collecting honey, wax and timber, hunting, and so on. Fishery production in mangroves increased significantly to 14,000 tonnes in 1982-83, compared to 640 tonnes in 1972-73. Many thousands are engaged in collection of honey and wax. It was estimated that about 232 tonnes of honey and wax were harvested in1983. In addition, collection of shrimp fry is an important source of livelihood. The mangrove forest also has a buffer function, protecting the densely settled agricultural areas to the north from the full force of cyclonic storms and tidal waves.

The marine resource of Bangladesh is also of great importance, geographically provided by a relatively shallow embayment of the northeastern Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal in the southern part. The Bay of Bengal occupies an area of 2,173,000 sq km, with an average depth of 2,600 meters and a width of 1600 km. In 1974, the special economic zone provision allowed Bangladesh the right of enjoying up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the seashore, which comprises an area of 166,000 sq. km, larger than the land mass.

The ecosystem in this region is quite distinct and tropical in nature. The huge river drainage and the profusion of wetlands, marshes, and mangroves increase productivity of near-shore fish species. About 475 species of fishes are found in this renewable habitat, along with 16 species of marine shrimps. In addition, several species of crabs and 31 species of turtles and tortoises, of which 24 live in coastal fresh-water environment, are also found (P. Gain, 1998). The marine fishery is totally open and contributes to 23 per cent of the total fish catch.

The marine fisheries are of two types: industrial (trawling) and artisanal, the former contributing about 6 per cent and the later 17 per cent of the total catch. Another aspect is the discovery of petroleum and gas reserves in the marine zone. It was recently estimated that about 20 trillion cubic feet of gases can be extracted from the bottom of the Bay of Bengal. The most recent World Bank estimate shows that Bangladesh is expected to receive US$ 1049 million by 2004, most of which would go to the oil and gas sectors. Regarding ocean transportation facilities, the Bay of Bengal is of great significance to Bangladesh and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, India and Myanmar. Carriage of cargoes to and from these countries is of immense importance. The oceanic transport route directly supports the principal seaports of Bangladesh, Chittagong and Mongla.

Bangladesh by Coastal District Households & Population:

Bangladesh by Coastal District Allocation of Area (In acres):

Source: The Bangladesh Census of Agriculture  (rural), 1996, BBS

Bangladesh by Coastal District Literacy Rates of Population of 7 Years and  Above age:

Source :  Population Census, 1991, BBS