The coastal waters of Bangladesh have enormous unrealized potential for the growth of mariculture, and Professor Dr. Md. Jobaer Alam, a key player in opening this blue economy frontier. With a special emphasis on sustainable livelihoods for women and rural populations, his ground-breaking research and creative methods are revolutionizing how Bangladesh can use marine resources to improve coastal communities.
His groundbreaking research on mariculture focuses on showing how seaweed farming and cage culture can transform Bangladesh’s island economies. The scientific basis for commercial mariculture operations was established by his extensive research conducted at St. Martin’s Island (2019–2021). Professor Alam determined the best conditions for growing brown algae (Padina gymnospora) with an impressive benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.75 to 3.36 and John’s Snapper (Lutjanus johnii) with a BCR of 1.17 by examining water quality, plankton diversity, nutrients, and heavy metals across 12 stations over three seasons. This demonstrated the economic feasibility of these endeavors.
Professor Alam’s innovative emphasis on inclusive development sets his approach apart. His invention places a strong emphasis on mariculture as a means of empowering underprivileged coastal communities, especially women and rural residents who have long been shut out of the mainstream economy. He hopes to change island livelihoods through sustainable use of marine resources by creating easily accessible cage culture and seaweed farming methods that are appropriate for small-scale operators.
His research publications, such as those on seaweed cultivation in the Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Management (2024) and nutrient dynamics in Heliyon (2023), offer useful guidelines for starting commercial operations. Professor Alam links regional innovations with international best practices in his capacity as Executive Member of the International Centre for Ocean Governance and the Oceanographic Society of Bangladesh.
Professor Alam’s research shows specific routes for commercial success, proving that Bangladesh’s mariculture industry has real potential. His research on integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems, which combine seaweed cultivation and fish cage culture, provides environmentally viable models that can be applied to other coastal areas of Bangladesh. Professor Alam is spearheading a blue revolution that promises prosperity for Bangladesh’s coastal populations while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations by educating the next generation of marine scientists and creating community-centered mariculture frameworks. His idea turns islands from remote settlements into prosperous centers of environmentally friendly marine business. This innovative approach not only enhances local economies but also fosters a sense of stewardship among the communities involved. By promoting sustainable practices, Professor Alam’s initiative aims to balance economic growth with ecological preservation, ensuring a healthier future for both people and the planet.
