01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-06-0029 |
| Title of Abstract | Ecological Role of the Sundarbans Mangroves in Enhancing Fish Diversity and Aquatic Productivity |
| Authors | Md. Naimur Rahman*, Dr. Subrata Sarker |
| Organisation | Shahjalal University of Science and Technology |
| Address | Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Kumargaon, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh Sylhet, Sylhet, Bangladesh Pincode: 3114 E-mail: mdnaimur22@student.sust.edu |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Mangroves play a vital role in supporting fisheries production within aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to understand the interaction between mangroves and fisheries in the coastal ecosystems of Bangladesh. Data on water quality and fisheries were collected from 60 stations located near the Sundarbans mangrove forest and 30 stations situated farther from the mangrove ecosystem. The results revealed significant differences in water quality variables between mangrove and non-mangrove aquatic ecosystems, with major variations observed in nutrient levels and primary production. In the mangrove-associated aquatic ecosystem, nitrate and phosphate concentrations were measured at 7.42 µmol/L and 2.15 µmol/L, respectively, while lower concentrations were recorded in non-mangrove areas. Phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance were also higher in aquatic ecosystems near mangroves compared to those farther away. The study found a strong relationship between mangroves and fisheries. Species diversity of fish was highest in the mangrove ecosystem (65 species) and lowest in non-mangrove aquatic areas (22 species). The high fish species diversity near mangroves was attributed to increased productivity driven by elevated nutrient levels, which were significantly correlated with mangrove litterfall. Furthermore, several commercially important fish species showed a positive association with mangrove fruits. Gut content analysis of these species indicated that they feed on mangrove fruits, with their seasonal occurrence corresponding to the availability of these fruits. This study provides the first evidence of mangrove-fisheries interactions in the coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh, highlighting the critical role of mangroves in sustaining aquatic biodiversity and productivity. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem Services, Fish Species Abundance and Diversity, Nutrient Dynamics, Plankton Productivity, Environmental Parameters |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 29-04-2002 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0250 |