The Confluence of Policy and Practice: Marine Fisheries of Bangladesh as a Catalyst for SDG Achievement

This study critically examines the strategic role of marine capture fisheries in advancing Bangladesh’s Blue Economy and evaluates their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Utilizing a qualitative synthesis of secondary data—including government reports, national policy frameworks, and international development benchmarks—the research analyzes the economic, socio-economic, and environmental dimensions of the sector. The findings reveal that marine fisheries are a cornerstone of the national economy, significantly bolstering GDP, export earnings, and food security. Despite the opportunities presented by expanded maritime jurisdictions and recent policy reforms, the sector faces systemic structural constraints, including the overexploitation of near-shore artisanal zones, technological deficiencies in deep-sea harvesting, and the persistent threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. A central contribution of this paper is the evaluation of how modern financial architectures can bridge the gap between policy intent and sustainable practice. It argues that the integration of Green Banking initiatives and strategic Debt Finance is essential for transitioning from traditional extractive methods to climate-resilient, science-based management. Furthermore, the study explores how optimizing Financial Leverage and expanding Financial Inclusion for small-scale fishing communities can mitigate socio-economic vulnerability and enhance compliance with conservation mandates. The analysis concludes that although existing frameworks show increasing commitment to ecosystem-based management and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), achieving SDG 14 targets requires a synergistic approach integrating ecological conservation, innovative financing, and inclusive governance to ensure Bangladesh’s marine resources support sustainable prosperity and long-term environmental resilience.