Research vessel RV Meen Sandhani will survey Bay of Bengal from November

RV Meen Sandhani, the research vessel brought from Malaysia to survey marine resources in the Bay of Bengal, will start work from November.

Fisheries Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque made the announcement at a press briefing on the National Fisheries Week held at the ministry on Tuesday.

“The honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the vessel at Chittagong port in coming October. So the survey, I hope, will begin from November,” he said.

Nearly 30 million people in Bangladesh rely on fishing and allied activities, according to data.  

The government, the minister said, through surveying the Bay of Bengal wants to find out the precise locations for fishing, the number of different species of marine life and set a maximum endurable extraction limit.

“We have brought the RV Meen Sandhani from Malaysia to Chittagong port with that goal in mind.”

Meen Sandhani

Length: 37.80 metre 
Cost: Tk 1.65 billion
Funding: Islamic Development Bank, Malaysia
Capacity: 28 including scientists and crew members 
Engine capacity: 1,400 horsepower, 1,800 RMP

Bangladesh has gained rights to 118,813 square kilometres of territorial sea and 200 nautical miles of an exclusive economic zone by resolving disputes over maritime border with Myanmar and India. 

Around 68,000 vessels, both motorised and traditional, operate within 32,440 square kilometres off the coastline until it reaches the depth of 40 metres. This makes up the first level in fishing at sea.

The second extends from 40 metres to 200 metres, where the third begins until it reaches the end of the exclusive economic zone.    

The 241 vessels licensed by the government are allowed only up to the second and third levels. 

Authorities cannot monitor from land the depths in which Bangladeshi vessels now operate, said the minister.