https://bangladesh.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Bangladesh 60 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24612/WCS-Bangladesh-Partnering-with-local-communities-and-government-agencies-for-a-healthy-ocean-and-healthy-people#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=24612 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24612&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24612/WCS-Bangladesh-Partnering-with-local-communities-and-government-agencies-for-a-healthy-ocean-and-healthy-people WCS Bangladesh partners with local communities and government agencies to support a healthy ocean for healthy people Ocean Giants swimming and leaping in the marine waters of Bangladesh are powerful indicators of a healthy marine environment – one that supports vibrant fisheries vital to the livelihoods and food security of millions and underpins a sustainable Blue Economy. Yet, our ocean and the species that depend on it - including humans - face an uncertain future, under threat from overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change.   WCS aims to address these threats and the subsequent decline of marine wildlife and unsustainable fisheries, through supporting science-based, equitable conservation management to promote their recovery. For nearly two decades, WCS has worked in Bangladesh to protect marine and coastal biodiversity by conducting research, supporting capacity building, running education and awareness campaigns, and supporting conservation management. All of which are achieved through partnering with communities and government to promote sustainable ocean management.   Research Our pioneering cetacean surveys revealed Bangladesh as a global stronghold for cetaceans, with 13 species documented by WCS. Using information collected during at-sea surveys, WCS found that the shallow coastal waters near the Sundarbans and the Meghna River mouth support the world’s largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins. In deeper waters, we discovered among the world’s largest populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins. Later investigations found that these dolphins are genetically unique from neighbouring populations of the same species. We have also established a citizen science-based mortality monitoring network and have been monitoring cetacean mortality since 2007.   Through rigorous scientific surveys, WCS Bangladesh discovered the largest population of Endangered Irrawaddy dolphins (left) and genetically unique Vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Bangladeshi waters.   To expand the geographic scope and seasonal reach of our research, as well as learn more about the deaths of Ocean Giants in fishing nets, WCS engages fishers and other community members as citizen scientists.  Our Citizen Science Fishermen Safety Network engages gillnet fishermen to record geo-referenced and photo-verified data on their fishing practices and catches in exchange for the provision of equipment and training to increase their navigational safety. Between 2015 to 2024, citizen science fishers recorded sightings and catch locations for 234 cetaceans, 96 marine turtles, 242 rays, and 15,878 sharks. Our citizen science fishers also discovered the presence of Killer Whale and Dwarf Sperm Whale in our water, as well. Information gathered from this network contribute to a marine spatial planning process, guiding marine protected area establishment, and aims to balance the protection of Ocean Giants with growing demands for marine resources.                   WCS Bangladesh engaged citizen scientist fishers who collect valuable data on marine megafauna catches and sightings, informing marine spatial planning for improved species protection.   Our shark and ray conservation program, also supported by a citizen science network, documents sharks and rays in catches at sea and from major fish landing sites in coastal areas. This has led to major policy wins including the uplisting of threatened sharks and rays in the Wildlife Act of Bangladesh, the development of Bangladesh’s first National Shark and Ray Conservation Strategy & Action Plan, and the development of the country’s first-ever scientific Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) for CITES-listed sharks and rays. Our Citizen Scientist Shark and Ray Data Collection Network engages members of coastal fishing communities to collect quantitative data and photographs of sharks and rays at fish landing sites and markets. During 14,702 visits to landing sites and markets by trained members on our network, WCS citizen scientists documented landing of 60 million sharks from 23 species, including the Critically Endangered Ganges shark and Endangered smooth hammerhead and whale sharks. The network also documented landing of 9 million rays from 51 species, several of which were previously unrecorded, including the Critically Endangered largetooth sawfish and Endangered devil rays and giant freshwater whiprays.         WCS Bangladesh’s citizen science team collects daily landing data on sharks and rays from nine major coastal fish landing sites across Bangladesh. Capacity building Across the globe illegal wildlife trade is a priority conservation concern. WCS provides technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to help ensure that local people clearly understand the laws and rules protecting marine biodiversity, including Ocean Giants, and that these laws and rules are effectively enforced. WCS works with law enforcement agencies to counter wildlife trafficking in Bangladesh. In addition to our effort to build capacity among law enforcing agencies, WCS has launched a transboundary collaborative approach including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to assess the baseline and understand trade in CITES listed marine species. Our capacity building effort has engaged more than 1,000 field and mid-level officers from Bangladesh Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Customs, Bangladesh Coast Guards to enable them to identify protected sharks and rays and their body parts, to be able to detect and prevent illegal wildlife trade. A major achievement has been the inclusion of marine megafauna conservation in the training curricula of Bangladesh Coast Guard new recruits, which WCS is supporting and to date trained over 700 officers.         WCS Bangladesh engages law enforcement agencies and provides training to build their capacity in combating illegal marine wildlife trade in Bangladesh. Education and awareness Research is just the first step in sustaining a healthy ocean and healthy people. WCS is committed to sharing its discoveries with local communities and government partners and to jointly developing practical solutions to protect our country’s amazing marine biodiversity. WCS Bangladesh convenes interactive exhibitions in coastal communities to protect threatened Ocean Giants as flagships for a healthy ocean and healthy people.  Games and discussions facilitated by trained interpreters generate a deep understanding of the importance of Ocean Giants in sustaining fisheries vital for healthy coastal communities. These exhibitions build stewardship among fisherfolk and inspire visitors to become guardians and advocates for a healthy ocean and healthy people.         Our educational outreach exhibition engages coastal communities through guided tours led by trained interns, featuring interactive exhibits, visually compelling infographics, informative panels, and engaging fun games. To date, our educational outreach has engaged over 110,000 coastal fishers, fish traders, their communities, local government officers through innovative exhibitions like “Ocean Guardians" and "Healthy Ocean - Healthy People (HOHP)," significantly improving knowledge of conservation laws among fishers and traders. Pre- and post-assessments conducted during HOHP exhibitions (2022–25, 220 stakeholders) showed a 35.6% increase in knowledge scores, while Ocean Guardian exhibitions (2023, 100 stakeholders) demonstrated a 45% rise. To increase the reach of our marine education program across the coastal region WCS also trains grass-root level community facilitators from selected social service NGOs to integrate conservation messages on Ocean Giants, sustainable fisheries and marine protected areas (MPA) into their community meetings. The citizen science approach along with the education outreach effort is inspiring fishers in safely releasing entangled threatened marine megafauna. The collaborative effort facilitated successful safe releases of threatened marine megafauna, such as the Critically Endangered Sharpnose guitarfish (Glaucostegus granulatus), Widenose guitarfish (Glaucostegus obtusus), and Endangered Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and landing site efforts facilitated documentation of world largest sawfish records and more than 45 specimens of Ganges sharks (Glyphis gangeticus), Bigeye threshers (Alopias superciliosus), and Sharptooth lemon sharks (Negaprion acutidens). Area-based marine management WCS is helping to empower Bangladesh to achieve its national goal and international target under the Convention of Biological Biodiversity for establishing a network of MPAs covering 30% of the country’s marine environment by 2030. WCS understands that biodiversity protection must be balanced with the needs of millions of people who depend on a healthy ocean. That is why we advocate multi-use MPAs that are science-based and incorporate community-informed fisheries management within a larger ecosystem approach to enhance fisheries in surrounding waters and protect threatened marine biodiversity and functionally important ecosystems. To date, WCS has supported the establishment of three MPAs - the Swatch of No-Ground (SoNG), Nijhum Dwip, and Saint Martin - together covering approximately 5.7% of Bangladesh's Exclusive Economic Zone. WCS Bangladesh supports the Government of Bangladesh in establishing and managing multi-use marine protected areas to conserve threatened marine species, sustain fisheries, and safeguard fishing livelihoods – advancing a thriving blue economy. Additionally, we assisted the government in developing management plans for the SoNG and Nijhum Dwip MPAs. These management plans include conceptual zonation within the MPA boundaries to balance the conservation needs with the livelihoods of local communities. These were developed through a marine spatial planning (MSP) process which focused on areas for fish replenishment or spawning and nursery, marine megafauna conservation, sustainable fishing, and community-based tourism development. Through a team of dedicated conservation biologists—and by partnering with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders—WCS Bangladesh balances the needs of coastal communities with protecting threatened ocean giants in Bangladesh for a Healthy Ocean supporting Healthy People. WCS Bangladesh is now focusing on expanding and strengthening MPAs, including improving management of the SoNG, Nijhum Dwip and Saint Martin MPAs, establishing a new OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure) to connect key habitats, and developing and implementing a bycatch reduction framework. Additionally, WCS is deepening community engagement by empowering fishers, ensuring their participation in conservation decisions, and supporting alternative livelihoods in coastal communities. nparves@wcs.org Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24612 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17836/Bangladesh-Takes-Major-Step-to-Protect-Threatened-Sharks-and-Rays#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=17836 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17836&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17836/Bangladesh-Takes-Major-Step-to-Protect-Threatened-Sharks-and-Rays Bangladesh Is First Country to Place All Guitarfish and Wedgefishes Under Strict Legal Protection Dhaka, Bangladesh – Sept. 28, 2021 – This week the Government of Bangladesh took a major step to improve the protection of threatened sharks and rays by updating the list of species and species groups under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. The updated list empowers the strict protection of eight genera and 23 shark and ray species, while allowing the sustainable exploitation, consumption, and trade of one genus and 29 species if their catch is found to be non-detrimental to wild populations. Bangladesh is a global hotspot for sharks and rays. Many species are threatened with extinction without urgent action taken to protect them. Sharks and rays are highly valued for their fins, gill plates and skins exported to international markets, especially China. “This updated list prepared by the Forest Department in consultation with the Department of Fisheries and national and international experts, and with technical support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), incorporates new information on sharks and rays in Bangladesh and builds on the country’s international, regional and constitutional commitment to protect threatened marine wildlife and their habitats,” says Conservator of Forests Mollah Rezaul Karim of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle. Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury explains that “More than half of the 116 shark and ray species confirmed or suspected to occur in Bangladesh are threatened with extinction. This amendment empowers the Forest Department and other law enforcement agencies to be proactive in protecting some of the worlds most threatened marine wildlife while at the same time it provides a framework for the sustainable exploitation of non-threatened species for the benefit of local fishing communities.” According to official Government statistics, up to two thousand tonnes of dried shark fins are exported from Bangladesh each year, earning over a million US dollars in tax revenue. G M Masum Billah, who coordinates a network of trained citizen scientists for WCS Bangladesh, says that: “Between 2016 and 2019, our citizen science network recorded more than two million sharks and nearly two hundred thousand rays at eight fish landing sites in coastal Bangladesh. Among these sharks and rays, we identified eight critically endangered species.” Mr. A.S.M Jahir Uddin Akon, Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Forest Department, explains, “The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade of sharks and rays. The convention prohibits trade in three species of sawfish that still occur in Bangladesh. The convention also requires an official permit from the Forest Department to export 25 other shark and ray species that occur in Bangladesh. These permits can only be issued if there is strong evidence that their trade will not harm wild populations.” Sharks and rays help maintain an ecological balance and they contribute to a healthy ocean supporting healthy people. Sharks and rays grow and reproduce slowly, meaning that they are vulnerable to overfishing. “This improved legislation is a critical step towards reducing the extinction risk of sharks and rays in the Bay of Bengal,” says Dr. Md. Sharif Uddin, Director (Marine) of the Department of Fisheries. “Enforcement of these regulations must go hand in hand with promoting the live release of protected species and improving our understanding of the ecological benefits of sustainable fisheries. If fishers, traders, and consumers understand that by protecting threatened sharks and rays, they are also safeguarding their livelihoods and food security,Bangladesh can turn the tide from the overexploitation to sustainable conservation management.” Support from the Shark Conservation Fund and the Pew Charitable Trusts Global Shark Conservation Project enabled WCS to assist the Government of Bangladesh with the formulation of the amendment. Additional Media Contacts: Forest Department Mollah Rezaul Karim Conservator of Forests Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle Ban Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka Phone: +8802-8181142 Mobile: +8801712212566 Email:  cfwildlifefd@gmail.com   Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Sharif Uddin Director (Marine), Marine Fisheries Office Agrabad, Chattogram Office: +880312528282 Mobile: +8801711985072 Email: psomarine@fisheries.gov.bd   Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur Senior Manager, Marine Conservation Program WCS Bangladesh Mobile: +8801711524887 Email: emansur@wcs.org nparves@wcs.org Thu, 21 Jul 2022 10:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17836 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11213/A-Whale-of-a-Day#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=11213 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11213&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11213/A-Whale-of-a-Day By Nadim Parves[The is the fifth blog in a series about the WCS-led marine megafauna survey, which is gathering data on whales, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine species inhabiting the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Data from the effort will identify biologically important locations for future consideration as marine protected areas.]As we sailed southeast from St. Martin’s Island towards deeper waters, we scanned the waters for marine mammals. Sighting conditions have been poor, and it has been five days since we last spotted a cetacean. At 08:30 we pass by several Sampans, small, elegant half-moon shaped fishing boats typical of the southeast coast of Bangladesh near the border with Myanmar.Then our team spots a large fish floating about fifty meters from the bow. We decide to take a closer look. To our surprise the belly-up fish is still very much alive when we pull it aboard and a couple of us get whacked by its powerful tail. The twelve-kilogram fish measuring almost a meter long is a giant Asian sea bass.Just before noon the wind drops to nothing and the sighting conditions are perfect: Beaufort sea state zero, glare zero, fog zero. It was then we spotted four different species of sea snakes – Jerdon’s, black and yellow, spine-bellied and annulated sea. We also recorded a variety of seabirds, including: brown-headed, black-headed and Pallas’s gulls; common, whiskered, little, greater and lesser crested terns; a Eurasian curlew; and a couple of barn swallows circling our boat.But still no cetaceans. An hour later we encountered a cluster of sixteen drifting gillnetters targeting hilsa fish but that have high bycatch rates of marine megafauna—including dolphins, turtles, sharks and rays. We scramble to record data on the fishing vessels, which will help us understand the overlap of the distribution of marine megafauna and the fishing gears that entangle and kill them.It was almost 4:00 in the afternoon when our survey leader Rubaiyat Mansur calls out “Sighting!” Shaken out of my afternoon fatigue, I see a blow and a body. It’s a Bryde’s whale, a marine mammal that can reach more than 16 meters in length.This was the first time in my life I had seen a whale. I was super excited and yelled out, “I am grateful to WCS for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime!” Our captain did an outstanding job at positioning the vessel as the whales circled around us. [Editor’s Note: Researchers from WCS-Bangladesh have previously published scientific research on Bryde’s whales in the Bay of Bengal].After the thrilling encounter with one of Bangladesh’s marine giants, we arrive at our rendezvous spot to meet our smaller survey vessel F.B. Jobeda, the vessel in charge of investigating fisheries. There was a beautiful sunset but no sign of the boat. We tried to contact them by VHF radio but we received no answer. As the day turned into night we began to worry. Just as it started to get dark we made contact and radioed them our position so we could meet up to anchor for the night.After eating dinner and entering the day’s data into our laptop computers we can finally relax. But as soon as we’ve turned in, a commotion on the deck wakes us. It turns out we have anchored too close to a fishing net which now threatens to entangle our boat. Fortunately our experienced captain, Kokhon Sarkar, and the crew get us out of the potentially hazardous situation. As if all this excitement wasn’t enough, the wind picks up, and we rock and roll through the night.At 05:45, alarm clocks go off well before the sun rises. We could all use some more sleep. But another day of ocean adventures awaits. Despite the hardships, including no showers, smelly shipmates, and hours of searching for cetaceans in the hot sun or sometimes cold wind, I would not want to miss this amazing and truly life-changing experience.———————————————Nadim Parves is a cetacean and fisheries observer for the survey. emansur@wcs.org Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11213 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11212/Days-in-the-Bay-of-Bengal-Between-Dreams-and-Reality#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=11212 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11212&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11212/Days-in-the-Bay-of-Bengal-Between-Dreams-and-Reality [Note: This is the fourth blog in a series about the WCS-led marine megafauna survey, which is gathering data on whales, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine species inhabiting the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Data from the effort will identify biologically important locations for future consideration as marine protected areas.]In 2011, I was in the middle of completing my post graduate degree in Nha Trang, Vietnam. I attended class every day to study fisheries management, hoping and wishing that sometime in the future, I would be out in the field using my expertise to help to make sustainability a reality.Seven years later, I am now back in my home country to help lead an effort to establish a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) for conserving the rich marine biodiversity of Bangladesh, a country that supports fisheries sustaining livelihoods for 50 million people living along the country’s 750-kilometer coast.The first phase of this effort is to conduct a comprehensive survey of marine megafauna, including dolphins, porpoises, whales, sharks, rays and marine turtles, and investigate fisheries that entangle and kill these threatened species.  Covering the entire coast of Bangladesh, the overall goal of this survey is to use this information to identify potential sites for new protected areas. So far the survey has been the most exciting and possibly the most intense experience of my life.When I first laid eyes on the two survey boats, I had mixed feelings: a gripping fear of sea sickness, and the excitement of being able to actually see the marine megafauna I had studied about in school. The first thing that struck me was the amazingly job our team did to modify the boats to safely and comfortably accommodate our entire survey team.They built a covered space for sleeping and storing equipment along with a kitchen and basic bathroom facilities. They also equipped both vessels with a VHF radio to communicate with each other.Alas my fears came true and I was sick on the first day. All I could think about was how I was embarrassing myself by not being able to stand my watches which entailed looking through a pair of binoculars searching for dolphins, porpoise, whales and fishing vessels.The rocking and rolling of the boat kept me from doing anything much on the first day. Still, we had a sighting of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, the first time I had seen these amazing animals at sea, and I felt much better watching their joyous leaps.My seasickness improved on the second day and I took up my onboard duties standing watches and collecting environmental data. I was elated to be gaining the field experience that I had always dreamt about and knew was critical for achieving marine conservation in my country.While the larger survey vessel follows a pre-designed transect line and focuses on searching for marine megafauna and fishing vessels, the team on the smaller fishing boat investigated the catches, bycatches and fishing practices of vessels spotted by the larger vessel. Working on the small boat, I saw beautiful sharks and rays being pulled out of the sea entangled in gillnets and caught on long-lines with thousands of hooks.I also saw huge amounts of plastic being pulled up in these same gears. The presence of plastic reminded us that our precious marine environment is being polluted and our fisheries are being over exploited, putting vital resources including threatened marine megafauna at risk.These observations made me even more determined to protect the rich marine resources of my country. Meanwhile, the simplicity of the lifestyle of fishermen on their floating homes facing the roughness of the sea made me respect their livelihoods even more.After eight days at sea I had to return to our office in Dhaka to fulfill the less exciting duties of my new job as WCS Bangladesh MPA Program Manager. My time on the water seemed like a lifetime of learning collapsed into this short time when our survey team became a family, supporting each other and working together to accomplish our shared goal of protecting marine biodiversity in Bangladesh.I have always wanted to make a tangible contribution to marine conservation and this survey is how it all begins. WCS has given me this opportunity for which I am deeply grateful, blessed and moved.———————————————————Manzura Khan is the WCS Bangladesh Marine Protected Area Program Manager and a research participant in the survey. emansur@wcs.org Fri, 16 Feb 2018 04:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11212 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11211/WCS-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey-Day-Two-with-a-New-Discovery-from-FB-Jobeda#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=11211 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11211&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11211/WCS-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey-Day-Two-with-a-New-Discovery-from-FB-Jobeda By Shanta Shamsunnahar  [Note: This is the third blog in a series about the WCS-led marine megafauna survey, which is gathering data on whales, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine species inhabiting the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Data from the effort will identify biologically important locations for future consideration as marine protected areas.]  The WCS marine megafauna survey currently underway along the coast of Bangladesh involves two vessels. The larger vessel follows a transect line surveying for whales, dolphins, and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans). Researchers on the smaller vessel focus on active fishing vessels by collecting data related to their catches and learning from fishers about the nature and scale of their fishing effort.The team aboard the second, smaller survey boat, F. B. Jobeda, has the task of assessing the catches and bycatches of several different types of fishing gear operating in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. While the targeted finfish are of considerable interest, we are especially keen to investigate other species such as dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sharks and rays, as well as sea snakes—some of which are accidentally taken as bycatch.On day two our team was preparing for the day’s work when we spotted a long liner—locally known as the Boiral—a fishing vessel that uses lines with thousands of baited hooks. By the time we reached the boat and established contact, the fishermen were already pulling in their lines.As a researcher, investigating this haul was fascinating, but on a personal level it was deeply disturbing. Among the 1150 hooks we examined there was a shark caught on almost every one. We managed to identify four different species, including an immature tiger shark.The catch also included several individuals of a relatively small shark species that the local fishermen call “Gule Kamot” and which we didn’t immediately recognize. These beautiful fish have large sparkling eyes and a stout snout. Upon looking at them more, we identified them as big-eye hound sharks, a new species we had yet to record in Bangladesh.One of the females had 19 pups in her belly, and several others were clearly immature. We learned that these sharks have a very low market value and are used only as bait or simply discarded. Also, we discovered that some of the longliners are targeting endangered hammerhead sharks, due to their high market value.This experience has strengthened my resolve to help find a balance between protecting of our country’s large and diverse marine megafauna and ensuring that fisheries are sustainable. Fortunately, WCS is partnering with the Government of Bangladesh to establish a network of marine protected areas that will promote sustainable fisheries while conserving threatened species such as hammerhead sharks.The information collected by survey participants, as well as other data collected by a WCS-led citizen science network at fish landing sites throughout coastal Bangladesh, will also help inform future management actions and international shark and ray conservation efforts.———————————————Shanta Shamsunnahar is the Marine Protected Area Program Coordinator for WCS’s Bangladesh Program and a research participant in the survey emansur@wcs.org Sun, 11 Feb 2018 04:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11211 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11144/Settling-in-to-Our-Boats-for-the-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=11144 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11144&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11144/Settling-in-to-Our-Boats-for-the-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey [The is the second blog in a series about the WCS-led marine megafauna survey, which is gathering data on whales, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine species inhabiting the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Data from the effort will identify biologically important locations for future consideration as marine protected areas. Neha Simlai is an international management consultant for WCS’s Bangladesh Program and a research participant in the survey]  On Christmas morning I was sipping a warm cup of tea on a research vessel heading out to sea while thinking about what would happen if something was to go wrong in the middle of mysterious Swatch-of-No-Ground, an offshore canyon that plunges to more than 900 meters in depth. The story goes that an exploration team from the erstwhile East India Company came here to measure the depth and could not find it.The thought is a little unnerving that, even now, our depth meter flickers at some points throughout the day. It struck me in that moment that all of us on board were each other’s backup and each other’s lifeguard. That is a strangely strong bond to form so quickly with people largely new to each other.  As an Indian with limited experience in Bangladesh, I have found so much love and warmth in every single person on board. There’s Khokhan Sardar, the captain of the larger fishing vessel ‘F.B. Manikjaan.’Then there are Sobhahaan, our ever-smiling cook, and Rubaiyat Mansur, the WCS Country Representative and survey leader.Along with all the other team and crew members, this groups has been looking out for me – telling me what will make me feel better, making me lime water when required, ensuring that I won’t keel over as I struggle to keep my balance while the boat rolls about.The profoundness of life is often found in the details that we miss easily. The first thing that struck me was a little ceremony that was conducted as a blessing before we commenced our journey. This was particularly interesting from a cultural perspective since we are in a predominantly Muslim country. Blessing a boat is reminiscent of the old Hindu culture and customs that prevail across the Indian subcontinent and continue to tie us together despite all our political differences.The other thing that struck me on the boat was the presence of women in the workforce in this part of the world. For centuries, women have struggled in relatively conservative societies like South Asia to create a space for themselves, and right here there are four women on the survey’s two research boats bringing onboard remarkable dedication and an indomitable spirit—both in equal measure.With most of us just getting used to life and work out at sea, the most common feeling is that of, well, motion sickness. And for most of us, this ‘experience of a lifetime’ has so far been spent realizing that the best medicine is a local tablet to calm the sea-tossed stomach called “joytrip.” I found myself smiling at the name time and again, but I am amazed at its effectiveness.  Both the boats finally crossed a visible line where the turbid murky water—produced the fresh water outflow from Bangladesh’s extensive river system–merges with the clearer blue of the Bay of Bengal on December 23, 2017.The first official day of the survey proved eventful for all of us, with the highlight being our sighting of a pod of about 30-40 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, smaller cousins of the more familiar common bottlenose dolphin. Data on the number of animals seen along with the times and locations of the encounters will later form the basis of important coastal management decisions and possibly the future creation of marine protected areas.Science aside, I must admit that this sighting was also an instant cure for all the seasickness. I heard our survey team member Hasan Rahman saying, “This is the best birthday present ever!”  In addition to marine mammals, the team also records observations on other species observed during the survey, including the seabirds flying over our heads and landing on drifting debris. With the survey just starting out and the team adapting to each other, our routine, and the sea and sights around us, emotions are surging. But we continue with an important ground rule clearly articulated by Zahangir, the WCS Sundarbans Programme Manager: “We don’t eat any fish that we have not yet ID’d.”The owner and captain of the smaller fishing vessel ‘F.B. Jobeda’ is Akkas Ali. He is considered a GPS master among his peers thanks to his association with the WCS Fishermen Citizen Science Safety Network over the last few years. During the course of this survey, Akkas Ali, who is also an avid storyteller, has been learning how to use our VHF radios to communicate with other vessels.  With my land-based contributions to effective conservation mostly taking place in closed office spaces, it is often difficult to see the bigger picture of what the organization is doing in the field. This is the first time in my numerous years in conservation that I have managed to see effort, strategic direction, and personal commitment come together so cohesively.  emansur@wcs.org Fri, 26 Jan 2018 05:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11144 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11143/Setting-Sail-for-the-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=11143 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11143&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11143/Setting-Sail-for-the-Bangladesh-Marine-Megafauna-Survey The densely populated country of Bangladesh is a land crisscrossed by an intricate system of hundreds of rivers, including the mighty Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system. These enormous freshwater inputs, combined with the bio-productivity from the world’s largest mangrove forest, feed into the Bay of Bengal – of which 166,000 square kilometers belong to Bangladesh.Extraordinary oceanographic conditions in these waters, including a part of the submarine canyon known as Swatch-of-No-Ground, support hugely diverse and relatively large populations of sharks, dolphins, whales as well as fisheries vital for the country’s food security and economy. To better understand and safeguard this marine diversity, WCS and local partners are currently conducting the Bangladesh Marine Megafauna Survey 2017/2018, a unique and truly exciting undertaking. The survey retraces the original transect lines drawn along the entire coast of Bangladesh for a previous survey carried out by WCS back in 2004.That original effort discovered the world’s largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins, small beakless marine mammals that frequent the country’s coastal waters. Other discoveries included some of the largest documented populations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins and finless porpoise. Marine mammals such as spinner and spotted dolphins and the Brydes whale were found to be common farther offshore.  This year’s survey will include not only marine mammals, but other iconic species such as sharks, rays, and marine turtles. Started in late December, the survey is being carried out across a distance of more than 1,500 kilometers over a period of 40 days – with two vessels, 20 team members, and 11 crew. Two traditional local fishing boats were modified to accommodate the survey team.  Observers will search for marine mammals from an extended top deck and sleep onboard in a custom built cabin constructed from bamboo. The vessel is equipped with basic navigation and communication equipment, as well as an onboard kitchen. Whatever these basic boats lack in comfort, the team makes up for with enthusiasm for the expedition.  The goal of this survey is to provide the scientific basis for new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Bangladesh. This is not the first time that WCS has provided scientific expertise for an MPA declaration. In 2014 the Government of Bangladesh followed WCS’s recommendations for declaring the country’s first MPA, covering waters from the head of the Swatch-of-No-Ground to the Sundarbans mangrove forest.  In combination with previous research results and information from citizen science networks that WCS operates among fishers and landing site data collectors, WCS aims to identify key areas that support significant numbers of marine megafauna and vital fisheries. We will then assist the Government of Bangladesh in achieving its national commitment to protect 10 percent of its marine waters.After extensive preparations and a two day intensive training program covering species identification, survey and fish catch sampling theory, equipment handling as well as a safety briefing at the WCS office in Khulna, the survey team finally set sail on December 22nd for the Bay of Bengal. Our findings will undoubtedly produce a valuable new body of information on Bangladesh’s marine wildlife and help protect the country’s natural heritage.We look forward over the coming weeks to share our adventures and discoveries in the amazing waters of the Bay of Bengal.———————————————Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur is Director of Education and Livelihoods for the Bangladesh Program at WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). emansur@wcs.org Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11143 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9362/Fishermen-to-turn-dolphin-saviours-in-Bangladesh#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=9362 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9362&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9362/Fishermen-to-turn-dolphin-saviours-in-Bangladesh Akkas Ali is a fisherman from Kachua, Vasha Bazar in the Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. He has been fishing in the Bay of Bengal for almost 20 years and has been a witness to the slaughter of dolphins. Most of these deaths were accidental – the dolphins became entangled in the nets of fishermen, and died. In the last two years three dolphins were killed after being trapped in Akkas Ali’s own fishing nets. At least five species of dolphins, one species of porpoise and two species of whales are found in the waters between the coast of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and Swatch-of-No-Ground, a deep underwater canyon in the Bay of Bengal. The rivers of the mangrove forest are the habitat of Gangetic river dolphins and Irrawaddy dolphins. According to several surveys conducted between 2002 and 2010 by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WSC) Bangladesh Program and their Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project there are about 225 Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans waterways. They share these waters with a portion of the population of an estimated 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins inhabiting Bangladesh’s coastal waters. This is by far the largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world. About 1,400 finless porpoises, over 2,000 bottlenose dolphins and an estimated 620 of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, along with pan-tropical spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, false killer whales and Bryde’s whales are estimated to inhabit Bangladesh’s coastal and deep-sea canyon waters. Most fisherfolk in Bangladesh do not intentionally harm dolphins. But, just like elsewhere in the world, many dolphins drown because they become entangled in fishing gear. This is about to change for Akkas Ali, as he will now become their saviour, and will even help researchers conduct study on dolphins and other marine aquatic species. Turning fishermen into conservators The change involves two simple things: equipment and training. As the fishermen could not monitor their nets, they did not know when a dolphin became entangled. Now they have been issued binoculars, a relatively expensive piece of equipment for the fishermen. “Using binoculars we will see that dolphins are trapped in our nets, and immediately cut nets so that they can free themselves,” Akkas Ali proudly told thetheirpole.net. Akkas Ali is not alone. WCS trained nine fishermen to help in dolphin conservation in April 2016. The fishermen have also been supplied equipment to help in this task, including binoculars, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and cameras to help them monitor dolphin movement in the sea during their fishing excursions. “By releasing live animals from their nets, fisherfolk can save dolphins. And many do that. But it’s not always that easy, especially because nets are often set at night or are so long that entangled dolphins can’t be detected quickly,” said WCS Bangladesh Education and Livelihood Director, Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur. In the coastal waters, she said, WCS has established a citizen science network among gillnet fishermen who monitor their nets for dolphin entanglements, rescue live dolphins when they become entangled, and collect information and samples from dolphins found already dead. “We provide them with a GPS and training on how to use it to navigate to safety during increasingly frequent extreme storms. This has proved to be an effective incentive to engage fishermen in marine megafauna conservation,” Mansur added. A win-win situation In exchange the fishermen are happy to help monitor dolphins in the rivers and the sea. “We generally go to sea for 15 day trips to catch fish,” Akkas Ali said. “During that time we will count dolphins and identify their species. We will use GPS to map their movements and take photos.” Hopefully they will also make short videos of the dolphins as they swim out to sea, he added, keeping a watch on the endangered species throughout the year. If the fishermen find dead dolphins in the sea, they will collect a piece of their hides. Upon returning to their homes, they will provide all data they collect from the sea to the WCS researchers. Zahangir Alom, WCS Bangladesh Program Senior Researcher and Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project Manager, said the role of the fishermen was critical not only in saving the dolphins, but also to help in research. “We go to sea during winter to collect data on dolphins, but we cannot do so  during the monsoon due to adverse weather. The fishermen can,” he explained. With the help of the data and samples the fishermen can provide, Alom hopes to identify the dolphin species in the region and their habitats. He also hopes the new information will help WCS map more accurately the risks that the dolphins face as well the trends among the sea mammals. Steps to save dolphins This is part of a wider effort in Bangladesh to protect the dolphin population. In 2014 the country declared 1,738 square kilometres in the Bay of Bengal a marine protected area. Unplanned fishing has been prohibited and the access of ships to the area has been restricted to ensure safe habitat for the dolphins. According to forest department officials, the river dolphins found in the Sundarbans move mostly in the rivers  Andharmanik, Dhangmari, Dudhmukhi, Betmore, Chandpai and Patakata of the Sundarbans East Zone. Therefore, the Bangladesh Forest Department created three dolphin sanctuaries covering 32 square kilometres of the rivers and canals in the mangrove forest in 2012. “Earlier, we identified three hotspots of dolphins in the Sundarbans and have already declared these spots as sanctuaries,” Chief Conservator of Forest Mohammad Yunus Ali told thethirdpole.net. Wed, 01 Jun 2016 03:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9362 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8633/Bangladesh-Creates-New-Marine-Protected-Area-For-Dolphins-Whales-Sharks-and-Sea-Turtles#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=8633 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8633&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8633/Bangladesh-Creates-New-Marine-Protected-Area-For-Dolphins-Whales-Sharks-and-Sea-Turtles “Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area” is Bangladesh’s first MPA New marine protected area announced as run-up to World Parks Congress in Sydney, Australia (Nov. 12-19) New York (November 3, 2014)—The Government of Bangladesh has created the country’s first marine protected area that will now safeguard whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and other oceanic species, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The creation of the “Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area” occurs as the world’s conservation community prepares to meet at the World Parks Congress, a global event held every 10 years for the purpose of promoting and safeguarding the earth’s most valuable natural places and formulating solutions to conservation challenges. The World Parks Congress will take place in Sydney, Australia, November 12-19. “Bangladesh brings us excellent news as we prepare for the World Parks Congress, a once-in-a-decade event where the conservation community from around the world will gather to discuss and make progress in improving the management and expansion of protected areas on the land and in the oceans,” said Dr. Cristián Samper, President and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. “The Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area—created to protect whales, dolphins, sharks, and other marine life—helps us on our way to reaching the global target of protecting 10 percent of the ocean’s ecosystems by 2020.” The Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area (SoNG MPA) was signed into law by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) on October 27, 2014. Said Yunus Ali, Chief Conservator of Forests of the Government of Bangladesh: “This is a momentous occasion for Bangladesh and we are proud to protect the rich diversity of marine species inhabiting our waters.” Rubaiyat Mansur of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project added: “The SoNG MPA supports an astonishing diversity of dolphins, porpoises and whales including species in need of immediate protection. Declaration of Bangladesh’s first Marine Protected Area shows our country’s commitment to saving its natural resources and wonders.” Spanning some 672 square miles (1,738 square kilometres) in size with a depth of more than 900 meters, the Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area is larger than Cape Cod Bay and includes waters at the head of the submarine canyon from which it gets its name. WCS’s Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project has worked along with the Government of Bangladesh since 2004 to ensure the long-term protection of the cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in waters of Bangladesh through collaborative efforts with local communities. Pioneering work by WCS and local partners in these waters found large numbers of Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises, Pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, and what may be a resident population of Bryde’s whales. Tapan Kumar Dey, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle, stated: “Protection of threatened marine wildlife in Bangladesh, especially cetaceans, can serve as a global safety net to prevent species extinction. Measures taken to conserve cetaceans, sharks, and sea turtles will also benefit Bangladesh’s coastal fishing communities by improving livelihoods and food security.” The creation of the SoNG MPA—which borders the territorial waters of India—will promote discussions with Bangladesh’s neighbor on a potential transboundary protected area, which contains similar species richness facing the same threats such as entanglement in fishing gears and climate change. “Marine protected areas that conserve cetaceans and other marine life are extremely important steps in saving vital marine ecosystems that support hundreds of thousands of people,” said Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Ocean Giants Program. “Safeguarding these species and natural resources will become even more important in the years to come, particularly due to the challenges of climate change.” Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. VISION: WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: www.wcs.org ; http://www.facebook.com/TheWCS ; http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia Follow: @thewcs. World Parks Congress 2014 Conserving the earth’s most valuable natural places and promoting nature’s solutions to global challenges is the focus of the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014 taking place in Sydney, Australia from 12 to 19 November. The world’s more than 200,000 protected areas, covering around 15% of land and 3% of the oceans conserve threatened wildlife, boost our food, water and climate security, and help people reconnect with nature. With its theme “Parks, people, planet: inspiring solutions”, the Congress will bring together people from all walks of life to showcase protected areas as the best investment in our planet’s – and our own – future. Posted in: Global Conservation, Marine, India, Bangladesh, Species, Protect, Cetaceans, Dolphins, Freshwater Turtles & Tortoises, Sharks, Sharks and Skates and Rays, Whales, Climate Change Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8633 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8634/WCS-Promotes-Dolphin-Awareness-In-Bangladeshs-Sundarbans-Mangroves#Comments 0 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=16313&ModuleID=32672&ArticleID=8634 https://bangladesh.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8634&PortalID=179&TabID=16313 https://bangladesh.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8634/WCS-Promotes-Dolphin-Awareness-In-Bangladeshs-Sundarbans-Mangroves Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8634