Where we worK
Bangladesh Coast & Marine Territory
Marine Life Alliance (MLA) works across the full breadth of Bangladesh’s coastline and marine territory—one of the most ecologically rich yet highly threatened regions of the Bay of Bengal. Stretching more than 710 kilometers from the Sundarbans mangrove delta in the west to St. Martin’s Island in the southeast, Bangladesh’s coast supports globally significant species, vital fisheries, unique island ecosystems, and millions of people whose livelihoods are directly linked to the sea. Our work spans this entire landscape, integrating research, conservation, community engagement, and climate resilience to protect both nature and the coastal communities who depend on it.
Bangladesh’s marine and coastal zone includes sandy beaches, coral communities, mudflats, mangroves, estuaries, sea grass beds, offshore waters, and deep channels that host a wide range of marine megafauna. From the vast river mouths of the Western Delta to the high-biodiversity hotspots of Cox’s Bazar, Sonadia, and St. Martin’s Island, these ecosystems provide nesting grounds for sea turtles, feeding grounds for cetaceans and whale sharks, migration corridors for waterbirds, and essential habitats for marine fish and invertebrates. MLA’s efforts focus on protecting these interconnected habitats holistically, addressing threats, supporting local stewardship, and generating scientific knowledge that guides national conservation priorities.
Along the eastern coastline—Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Inani, Himchari, and the Maheshkhali Channel—MLA conducts long-term monitoring of sea turtles, corals, cetaceans, whale sharks, seabirds, and coastal vegetation. These areas host critical nesting beaches for olive ridley and green turtles, as well as important feeding and migration areas for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, finless porpoises, and Bryde’s whales. St. Martin’s Island, the country’s only coral-bearing island, remains one of our core sites where we monitor reef health, coral bleaching, water quality, and the impacts of tourism and climate change. These habitats are extremely sensitive to erosion, pollution, and overuse, which is why MLA supports habitat restoration initiatives such as screwpine plantation, reef documentation, and community awareness programs.
Sonadia Island—another critical work area—is one of Bangladesh’s most important ecological hotspots, supporting migratory waterbirds, shorebirds, sea turtles, and rich intertidal habitats. MLA works here with fishers and local residents to reduce bycatch, restore shoreline vegetation, remove harmful plastic and ghost nets, and monitor changes in wildlife populations. This area is under significant pressure from fishing, unplanned tourism, and habitat loss; therefore, our long-term presence provides essential ecological data and community-based solutions.
Further west toward the Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—MLA engages in marine species reporting, awareness-building, and collaborative monitoring. The Sundarbans and adjacent waters support Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises, many species of sharks and rays, and a high diversity of riverine and coastal birds. Our efforts contribute to ongoing national and international conservation initiatives, linking local observations to broader regional research. Although the ecosystem is more riverine and estuarine compared to the sandy eastern beaches, it remains a key part of Bangladesh’s marine territory and an important area for MLA’s wider conservation framework.
MLA’s offshore work extends into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Bangladesh, where we document sightings of whale sharks, dolphins, whales, and pelagic fish species. As Bangladesh expands its blue economy initiatives, sustainable management of these offshore habitats is becoming increasingly important. Our work in these waters includes supporting the development of national databases, collaborating with fishers on safe-release protocols, and promoting responsible fisheries practices that reduce mortality of protected species.
Across the entire coastline, MLA focuses strongly on community engagement. Coastal communities—including fishers, youth groups, women’s networks, boat operators, and local leaders—are central partners in our conservation efforts. We provide training on bycatch reduction, safe release of entangled animals, waste management, alternative livelihood opportunities, and environmentally responsible tourism practices. By strengthening local knowledge and participation, we help ensure that conservation efforts are meaningful, long-lasting, and community-owned.
Climate change continues to reshape Bangladesh’s coastline, increasing erosion, sea-level rise, cyclones, and salinity. MLA addresses these urgent challenges through nature-based solutions such as dune stabilization, native vegetation restoration, and screwpine plantation to protect vulnerable beaches, reduce storm impacts, and maintain natural habitats for wildlife. These efforts help build resilience not only for ecosystems but also for local communities whose homes, resources, and safety depend on a healthy coastline. Throughout all regions, MLA invests in data-driven conservation. Our teams use GPS mapping, drone surveys, photographic identification, community reporting networks, and ecological assessments to track changes in species populations and habitat conditions. These data are shared with government agencies, research institutions, and conservation networks to support policy development and national planning. By working across the entire coast and marine territory of Bangladesh, Marine Life Alliance remains committed to protecting biodiversity, sustaining coastal communities, and building a resilient future for one of the most biologically rich and socially important marine regions in the world.
South–Central Coast
The South–Central Coast of Bangladesh is one of the most ecologically rich and socially significant marine and coastal landscapes in the Bay of Bengal. Stretching across Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna, and Noakhali to the Meghna Estuary, this region forms a dynamic interface between land and sea, shaped by monsoon winds, tidal forces, river outflows, and sediment movement. It hosts a mosaic of critical habitats—from sandy beaches and mangrove forests to offshore islands, mudflats, sandbars, seagrass beds, and estuarine channels—each supporting a unique combination of marine and coastal life. This area is highly productive, biologically diverse, and essential for the protection of both nature and millions of people living along the coast.
The South–Central Coast provides nesting, feeding, and migration routes for important marine species such as sea turtles, riverine and marine cetaceans, whale sharks, rays, migratory waterbirds, and countless fish and invertebrates. Species like the Olive Ridley and Green Turtle occasionally visit sandy beaches for nesting, while Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises, and Bryde’s whales use the estuaries and nearshore waters as feeding and nursery grounds. Seasonal passages of whale sharks and manta rays also indicate the region’s role as a biological hotspot. The coastal wetlands, mangrove fringes, and tidal mudflats host thousands of migratory waterbirds each winter, including threatened species that depend on these areas for survival.
From a human perspective, the South–Central Coast is home to tens of thousands of small-scale fishers and coastal families whose lives and livelihoods are closely linked to the health of marine ecosystems. Fishing, crab collection, coastal farming, honey gathering, and nature-based activities are essential sources of income. Yet, the communities also face increasing risks from cyclones, storm surges, erosion, salinity intrusion, and uncertain fish stocks. Conservation in this region therefore requires not only protection of wildlife but also a deep understanding of human needs, cultural values, and economic vulnerabilities.
Our work in the South–Central Coast focuses on integrating science, community participation, and sustainable resource management to protect this vital landscape. We conduct long-term monitoring of dolphins, whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, waterbirds, and coastal habitats to understand population trends, threats, and ecosystem changes. By working alongside local fishers, we promote safe-release practices, bycatch reduction, and responsible fishing behavior to reduce harm to threatened species. Community awareness, school programs, and youth leadership initiatives help build local stewardship for marine conservation.
We also support nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration, dune stabilization, and protection of coastal vegetation—including screwpine, keora, and other native species—to strengthen natural defenses against erosion and storm impacts. Our engagement with local stakeholders, government agencies, and village leaders supports co-management approaches, encouraging shared responsibility for protecting key habitats.
In addition, we help improve local knowledge and livelihoods through training on eco-friendly tourism, sustainable fishing practices, habitat protection, waste reduction, and climate resilience. Citizen science programs empower communities to report dolphin sightings, strandings, turtle nests, entanglement events, and illegal activities, creating a network of local guardians across the coast.
The South–Central Coast is both vulnerable and full of potential. Its dynamic ecology, diverse wildlife, and deeply connected coastal communities make it one of the most important conservation regions in Bangladesh. Through science-driven action, active community partnerships, and long-term commitment, we aim to safeguard this extraordinary coastline while supporting the people who depend on it—ensuring a sustainable, resilient, and thriving future for all.