Submitted By

Abu Khairul Bashar

Exam Roll: 121985

Reg. No: 32806

Session 2011-12

Submitted To

Dr. Mohammad Amir Hossain Bhuiyan

Associate Professor

And

Mohammad Emadul Huda

Assistant Professor

Department of Environmental Sciences

Jahangirnagar University,

Savar, Dhaka-1342

1

The goals of the Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree are to: Offer a rigorous

science-based preparation for careers in environmental science; Prepare students for

graduate studies in environmental science. Environmental Sciences is a kind of

subject where only theoretical lessons cannot provide hundred percent of

knowledge. The earth is a mysterious planet and to gain knowledge about the earth,

visual observation through tour is must. Environmental science is the scientific

investigation of human interactions with natural systems. The department of

environmental sciences of Jahangirnagar University runs a course on field work as

an academic study course each year. For the students of Environmental Sciences,

field work is a part and parcel of academic study. It plays a very significant role in

understanding complicated environmental concepts and their impact on biodiversity

and sustainability. To evaluate the natural and artificial processes of the study areas

and finding it’s role on environment. As a student of 2nd year of environmental

sciences of Jahangirnagar University in the session 2011-2012 carried out a field

work for 5 days from 5th February 2014 to 9th February 2014 in Saint Martin,

Maheshkhali and Cox’s bazar. St. Martin’s Island the only coral reef of Bangladesh,

has enormous geological and biological resources to identify, understand and need

to protect from anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic threats. As an ecologically

critical area (ECA), it needs more study to gather knowledge about these beautiful

sites. Heavy minerals along the coastline are an excellent source of so called ‘Black

Gold’ of Bangladesh. Maheshkhali is important for the salt farming. The area is

important from the geological and economical point of view. Cox's Bazar is a seaside

town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide

and long sandy beach, which is considered by many as the world's longest natural

sandy sea beach.

2

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First of all, I would like to pay my great thanks to almighty Allah for giving me a

chance to go in such an instructive field work with my friends and teachers. I would

like to pay my profound gratitude to the authority of the department of environmental

sciences of Jahangirnagar University for arranging the fieldwork program and

making necessary arrangements.

I would like to express my best regards to my honorable teacher Dr. Mohammad

Amir Hossain Bhuiyan, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental

Sciences, Jahangirnagar University for his scholarly guidance, sincere inspiration

and generous support.

I want to give special and heartiest thanks and also acknowledge the excellent

support from my honorable teacher Mohammad Emadul Huda, Assistant Professor,

Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar, University.

And, thanks to Mr. Ataur Rahman (Office Assistance) of the Department of

Environmental Sciences. I also want to give heartiest thanks are extended to our

seniors’. Finally heartiest thanks are extended to all of my classmates for their friendly and

Co-operative behaviour in the tour to complete the task successfully.

List of Figure i.

List of Tables ii.

List of Graphs iii.

1.1 Background of the Study Tour 02

1.2 Study Area Selection 03

1.3 Aim and Objectives 06

1.4 Limitations 07

2.1 Methodology 09

2.2 Data Collection and Data Sources 10

2.2.1 Primary Data Sources 10

2.2.2 Secondary Data Sources 11

2.3 Supporting Instruments 12

3.1 Coastal Morphology: Beach and Island 14

3.2 Physiography of Staint Martin's Island 16

3.3 Geological Structure of Saint Martin 17

3.4 Cox’s Bazar 18

3.4.1 Physical Phenomena of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach 21

3.4.2 Economic Activities of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach 22

3.4.3 Threats for Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach 23

3.5 Maheskhali Island 24

3.5.1 Forest resources of Maheskhali Island 25

3.5.2 Economic Activities of Maheshkhali Island 26

0

4.1 Ecological Importance Coral Reefs 28

4.1.1 Ecology and marine life seriously Imperiled 28

4.1.2 Saint Martin’s island under Critical Stresses 30

4.2 Impact of Tourism on Biodiversity 32

4.2.1 Problems Related to Tourism 33

4.2.2 Tourism Management into Biodiversity Conservation 35

4.3 Impact of Salt Farming 38

5.1 Flora of Saint Martin Island 40

5.2 Fauna of Saint Martin Island 43

6.1 Conclusion 48

6.2 Recommendation 49

51

54

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Figure No Page No

Figure1.1 03

Figure1.2 04

Figure1.3 05

Figure3.1 14

Figure3.2 15

Figure3.3 15

Figure3.4 16

Figure3.5 18

Figure3.6 21

Figure3.7 24

Figure4.1 29

Figure4.2 31

Figure4.3 34

Figure5.1 40

Figure5.2 41

Figure5.3 42

Figure5.4 43

Figure5.5 44

Figure5.6 44

Figure5.7 45

Figure5.8 46

Figure5.9 46

Table No-8.1 54

Table No-8.2 55

Table No-8.3 55

Graph No-2.1 09

Graph No-3.1 19

Graph No-3.2 20

Graph No-3.3 20

Graph No-3.4 25

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01

01

01

01

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Due to the Environmental significance of Saint Martin, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar

&Teknaf, we have visited this area for our field tour this year.

St. Martin's, a small continental island in the Bay of Bengal, is located on the

southernmost tip of Bangladesh separated from the mainland by a channel which is

about 9 km wide. The distance between the island and Teknaf is about 34 km. The

north portion of the island is called “Cheradia Dwip” because during high tide, this

portion of the island is separated from the other and also considered as the last

southern landmark of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, corals are found only on the

Narikel Jinjira (St. Martin's Island). It lies roughly between 20° 34'N - 20° 38.8'N

and 92°18' - 92°20.8'E

Moheshkhali is a wonderful island in the Bay of Bengal in the north-western side of

Cox’s Bazar. It is another attraction for the tourists who go to Cox’s Bazaar.

Moheshkhali Island is surrounded with forested hills and some mangrove trees

alongside the coastal beach. Its total area is 262 square kilometers. Through the

center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises, a range of low hills, but the

coast to the north and west is a low-lying treat, environed by mangrove jungle. There

are a Buddhist temple and a shrine of Adinath on the hill. Moheshkhali is abeautiful

place for visit. Many tourist come visit Moheshkhali every year.

Cox's Bazar is a seaside town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh.

It is known for its wide and long sandy beach, which is considered by many as the

world's longest natural sandy sea beach. The beach in Cox's Bazar is an unbroken

125 kilometers (78 mi) sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 152

kilometers (94 mi) south of the industrial port of Chittagong..Today, Cox's Bazar is

one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. It has yet to become a

major international tourist destination, and has no international hotel chains because

of the lack of publicity and transportation.

Teknaf, a place situated by the side of Naf river, is the southernmost part of mainland

Bangladesh. This also marks the end point of Cox's Bazar beach. Tourists usually

come here to have a river cruise along beautiful Naf river,which flows between

Bangladesh and Myanmar.

3

Study area selection is a very important fact for a study tour. Because, which kind of knowledge we want to learn, fully depends on the site of the tour. So I would like to thank our honorable teachers because before starting our tour they selected our tour site. Our main site was Cox’s Bazar district & adjacent area. The sites of this tour were-

Saint Martin Chera Deep Moheshkhali Cox’s Bazar Teknaf

St. Martin's Island is a small island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal, in the southernmost part of Bangladesh. Geographically, it is divided into three parts. The main shoreline habitats are sandy beaches and dunes and scattered rocks and coral boulders. Some boulders are also found on the interior into the island. The shallow water marine habitats include, rocky and sandy intertidal, intertidal rock pools, off shore lagoons, rocky and sandy sub tidal and offshore soft bottom habitats. It is said that in 1926, the District Collector of the British government Mr. Martin brought this island under settlement record following which the island was named “St. Martin's Island”.

Figure-1.1: Map of Saint Martin Island

4

Moheshkhali Island covers an area of approximately two hundred and sixty-eight

square kilometers, and is blanketed in breathtaking mangrove jungles, spectacular

ranges of hills and striking landscapes, with some hills standing at just over three

hundred meters. It is these rare natural qualities that lure visitors to the island. The

island has been the subject of great debates between conservationists and

government officials, in regard to protecting Moheshkhali against deforestation and

harm to the wildlife and vegetation. Some of the main attractions on Moheshkhali

are the picturesque and peaceful beaches. The Shrine of Adinath, which is dedicated

to Shiva, the quaint Buddhist temple and the pagoda are also stunning attractions to

visit on the island. The recent completion of the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam

Bridge has connected the island to the mainland, but traveling to Moheshkhali by

boat is recommended, as it is terrific way to catch precious memories on film and

add another adventure to your exploration of Bangladesh. The two lane bridge has

made life much easier for the islanders, allowing them to travel and move goods.

They are known for the production of salt, battle leaf and shrimp. The bridge is three

hundred and forty-seven meters in length and just over seven meters wide.

Figure1.2: Map of Moheshkhali Upazila

5

Cox's Bazar is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is

known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach.

The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Cox (died 1799), an officer

serving in British India. In the 18th century, an officer of British East India

Company, Captain Hiram Cox was appointed as the Superintendent of Palongkee

outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal. Captain Cox was

specially mobilised to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees

and local Rakhains. A premature death took Captain Cox in 1799 before he could

finish his work. But the work he had done earned him a place in the hearts of the

locals and to commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market was established

and named after him as Cox's Bazaar ("Cox's Market"). Although Cox's Bazar is one

of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh, it has yet to become a major

international tourist destination, due to lack of publicity.

Figure-1.3: Map of Cox’s Bazar District

6

Behind any work, there have must some aim & objective. With the great deal of

importance the main aim of this study tour is to observe the environmental condition

of Cox’s Bazar district & adjacent areas and their impact on surrounding area. We

must also keep into consideration that what is the thinking & idea of local people

about their environment. In Saint Martin, Cheradeep, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar and

Teknaf, area; our main objectives -

The geological of Geological structure observation of the study areas

Geomorphological change detection

Ecological observation (deforestation, types of plants and biodiversity)

The natural processes occurred in the island

Find a suitable way to promote eco-tourism in the Saint Martin’s island and

Cheradeep

Environmental impact assessment

Salt cultivation process and their impacts on human life and cultivation land

Observation of Flora and Fauna of study areas

The importance of corals and hazards related to the lacking of corals

Physical, socio economic and cultural aspect of the study areas

To see the marine coastal mangrove forest in the coastal belt

Soil and water condition (constituents of soil, elemental analysis)

To know and familiar with the Natural resources

To know the Lifestyle of the people of coastal Areas.

7

The data sources of the study tour were basically based on secondary data sources. That’s

why in this tour there were some limitations-

Time was limited, so it was difficult to collect more information within these short

time.

Limitation of budget

Different people gave different information so we were confused about actual

information.

We were 30 students, so it was difficult to move with this he number of people.

8

02

02

02

02

02

9

Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field

of study, or the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated

with a branch of knowledge. It, typically, encompasses concepts such as paradigm,

theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. A methodology

does not set out to provide solutions but offers the theoretical underpinning for

understanding which method, set of methods or so called “best practices” can be

applied to a specific case. Methodology does not describe specific methods, even

though much attention is given to the nature and kinds of processes to be followed

in a particular procedure or in attaining an objective. When proper to a study of

methodology, such processes constitute a constructive generic framework; thus they

may be broken down in sub-processes, combined, or their sequence changed.

Graph-2.1: Flowchart showing the methodology of the study

Choosing a study topic

Literature Review

Formulating the problem for

the study

Choosing the variables to

study

Data Collection

Sorting of necessary

information

Data Analysis and

Interpretation

Finding the Multicultural

Variation

Drawing Conclusion and

Recommendation

Documentation

Report Presentation

10

Every work has some purposes and method of completing those purposes. After complete

purpose than need the processing of data which is collected from field. We know that data

is a body of information in numerical form and it is a collection of statistical information

of values of the variable of interest in a study. On the Basis of sources, data is two types.

In this report we use both type data. The sources of both data are given below-

Primary data are obtained from the organization or institution that originally collected

the information. The data collected for the first time by the investigator as original data

are known as primary data. In this study tour we have collected the primary data by the

following ways-

Visual observation: By visiting a particular place and after observe that we get

some data which is helping us to make a report.

Questionnaire: At first we select a particular place or particular topics, then to

know everything about that place all related question contain on a sheet of paper

and in this way be collect all types of information.

Discussion: Group discussion is a very important process of reporting. By this

process many view idea develops and those can help to make a successful report.

According to this process we collect all types of information.

Interview: By interview we can gather more different and much knowledge which

help us to collect information and data. In this study tour, we have got a seminar

presentation in tribal cultural institute of Cox’s Bazar. By this seminar we knew

details about tribal, lifestyle and other phenomena.

Data Sources

Primary Sources Secondary Sources

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Map Reading: We came to know about the location and area of our traveling area

from map. We know the road to Cox’s bazaar from route map.

Photograph: We snapped various charming natural sceneries. These photographs

helped us in observation and research. They are also a great source of our

enjoyment.

Literature Review: A comprehensive literature study was done to gain an exact

scenario of the two mine. Various important and necessary data are collected

from already published books, journal, previous works, newspaper, internet

etc. By gathering all the information the field report of our study tour is made.

We come to know about the previous condition of the area and can identified

the difference with present situation.

We know that if an investigator is using data which have been collected by someone

else, then such data are known as secondary data. For make a successful report we

have followed some secondary data sources such as:-

Different published Books

Banglapedia

Different Journals

Encyclopedia

From different organization

From related books

Internet

Satellite image

From map

12

There are various instrument used in our study tour. The instruments are following below:

GPS- Explorist 200

pH meter

DO meter

EC meter Binocular and Erasers Hand mike Digital camera. Measuring tape Base map Sample bags Sample bottle Clip board Cutter and Marker pen Pen and pencil

13

03

03

03

03

03

14

Coast: The wide bank of an ocean is called coast. It is spread 200 km. towards ocean

from land. Land and shallow ocean area is called coastal, where situated 70% ocean

area and 30% land area. Perhaps the coastal area is populated because of mild

climatic condition, health resort and economic activities are well. Different part of

coast:

Shore line

Marine force of coastal area

Erosional features of land form

Depositional features of land form

Bio-diversity.

1. Classification of coast:

There are 3 types of coast and these are –

A) Back shore

B) Fore shore

C) Off shore

Back shore High tide line

--------------------------------------------------------------

Fore shore Low tide line

-----------------------------------------------

Off shore

Figure 3.1: Classification of coast

2. Shore line:

In flood tide the last boundary of coast which the water touched is called share line.

Cliff

classifi

cation

of co

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3. Marin forces of coastal area:

There are 3 main forces which work in coastal area. They are also very important

agents to modification of coastal land. These are –

A) waves

B) Current

C) Tides

Waves:

Waves form for the causes of oceanic wind, unequal distribution of pressure, angular

distance point of the coast etc. Not only that, sometimes earthquake (Tsunami),

Stamen, organic forces etc. create the waves.

Crest Wave length

Wave

Height

Trough

Figure 3.2: Waves

Current:

Current flows in the long shore of the ocean. It is called long shore or lateral current.

Current also work in erosion and deposition and transportation of sediment of coastal

area.

Figure 3.3: Current .

16

Tides:

The tide producing forces are caused by the gravitational attraction of the sun and

moon on the earth and therefore, closely related to the movement of these bodies. It

is very important factor to know about the coastal geomorphology.

Flood Tide

H.T.L

Ebb Tide

L.T.L

Figure 3.4: Tide.

Saint Martin is a dumbelled shape island. It stretches on a north-south axis in length

and west to east in width. The island is about 7.8km long and a few hundred meters

to a little over 1km in width. The surface area of the island is about 8 km2 at low tide

and about 5 km2 at high tide.The Uttarpara (Narikeldia) is the northern part of

Narikel Jinjira. It narrows down gradually towards the south. A shallow lagoon is

located in the middle of Uttarpara and it is connected to the sea only at high tide by

a narrow channel on the west coast. The major part of the lagoon has been converted

into an agricultural field and only a small part (less than 0.5 Km) of the lagoon still

remains flooded (depth 1 m or less). A large Number of coral boulders are seen in

the lagoon area.The top soil of Uttarpara consists of alluvial sands mixed with

molluscan shells. In the north and northeast, there forms a sandy beach stretching

over 300-400m into the sea. The inter-tidal eastern and southern coast of Uttarpara

is rocky. People largely inhabit Uttarpara and farming activities are seen mainly

there. Planted trees particularly coconut tree, have replaced the original vegetation.

Some timber yielding plants are also there. Anthropogenic activity is mainly

concentrated on this part of the island.

17

The southern part of the island is separated from Uttarpara by a narrow strip of

island, locally known as Golachipa. It is about 500 m in length and about 300m

wide. The area has been eroding with the sea approaching it from both sides

(east & west). It seems that in future the northern and southern part of the island

may become separated by the sea. The top soil of Golachipa consists of dry

sand and has a dune environment. Xerophytic plants are found, no human

inhabitation exists here. The major part of the area remains during high tide. There

are three small lagoons. The soil is confined to a limited area and consists of loose

sands mixed with large quantity of molluscan shells.Some offshore rocky reefs

(rocks shoals) along the west coast and south coast become exposed during the low

spring tides. These rock shoals have cracked sedimentary rocks at the base and

weathered spherical rocks on the top.The island shows signs of erosion in many

places. It is particularly eroded along the coastline but not in the south west coast,

which is mostly rocky. A costal embankment has been constructed by piling up loose

boulders (including coral boulders) along a considerable length of the east and west

coast.

The structure is simple and is represented by an anticlinal uplift. The island lies on

the eastern flank of the anticline. A little of the axis of the anticline is traceable along

the west coast of Dakshinpara. The exposed portion of the axis runs NNW to SSE,

approximately parallel to the island. There is a fault along the northwestern shoreline

with a trend nearly parallel to the axis. The fault seems to be reverse in nature with

the eastern side as the upthrown block. The anticline is slightly asymmetrical with a

monoclinal swing on the eastern flank. The bedrock on the eastern flank near the

axis dips very gently at an angle of 3° to 5° towards the east, increasing eastwards

to 10° to 12°. The monoclinal swing gives a high dip of 30° and above at Siradia.

Very little of the western flank is exposed above the sea which records a dip of 6°

towards the west. The monoclinal swing gives the anticline a box-like shape.The

birth of the island is related to the regional tectonics of Southeast Asia. As a sequel

to the most dynamic Himalayan orogeny during Middle Miocene (around 15 million

years before.

18

Figure 3.5: Geological Structure of Saint Martin

Physiography: Cox’s bazar mostly commits hilly & forest region with coast. This

are often victim of sea strome, tidal bore, hurriane cyclone. Matarbari, Sonadia St,

Martinis in cox’s bazar district. Cox bazar consists the largest sea beach of the world

and charming forest belt. Location: Cox’s bazar district is include in Chittagong

division. It is bounded by Chittagong district on the north, Bay of Bengle on the

south, Bandarban district, arakan (Myanmar), the river Naf on the east, the bay of

Bengle of the west. Climate: The climate as cox’s bazar is temperate. The annual

average maximum temperature 34.80c and minimum 16.10c. The annual average

rainfall is 4285 mm. Main River: The main river of cox’s bazar district are

matamuhuri, Bakhali, Rejukhal, Naf, Maheshkhali, Channel, Kutubdia Channel.

Natural calamity- Storm, tidal bore, hurricane, cyclone. Vegetation: Agricultural

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crops- Paddy, Potato, Onion, garlic nut, wheat, rubber, mustard, cotton, tobacco,

vegetables etc. Mainfruits- mango, Banana, Pineapple jackfruit, orange papaya,

palm, guava etc.Tress-Kali garjan, Dhup, Kamdeb, Raktan, Narkeli, Tali, Coconut,

Chundul, chatim, Ashox, Tejbhal, Jam, Dumur, Mangrove, Konoi, Dharmara.

Population: Total population 1419260, Male 52.33%, Female 47.67%

Densities population per sq. km is 570.

Graph -3.1: Male and Female rate

Religions institution-Mosque: - 1226, Temple: - 212, Buddhist Keyang and pagoda:

-162, Church: - 8, Mazar: - 12, Cultural Organization: - Club, society & organization,

women organization, co-operative, society public library, theatre groups cinema hall

etc. Main occupations: Agriculture 25.64%, Forestry 1.85%, Fishing 4.01%,

Agricultural labor 21.2%, Wage labor 7.64%, Service 4.68%, Commerce 1.86,

others 17.98%

Differences between Male and

Female

Female,

47.67Male,

52.330%

50%

100%

Male Female

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Graph-3.2: Main Occupation of Cox’s Bazar District

Transport system: Boat, Sampan & palanquin, bullock car, couch, Communication

facilities: Pacce road 462 km, Semi Pacca 340 km, Mud road 176 km, Religions -

Muslim 92.13%, Hindu 5.6%, Buddhist 2.17%, Christian 0.06%, Others 0.04%

Graph-3.3: Religion of Cox’s Bazar District

Main Occupation25.64

1.854.01

21.2

7.644.68

1.86

17.98

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Agricultu

re

Foresty

Fishing

Agricutura

l labor

Wage labor

Service

Commerce

Others

92.13

0.06

0.042.17

5.6

Muslim

Hindu

Buddhist

Christan

Others

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Cottage industries: Weaving 851, brass work-33, garments 200 conch industry-50,

welding 172, fish preservation center 85, bamboo & came work 1991, Goldsmith

290 Blacksmith 232, potteries-405 wood worker 1141 tailoring-1766. Mineral

Resources: Natural Gas, Zircon, Limonite, Rutile, Magnetite, Monazite, Coralline,

Limestone tec. Exporting Goods: Betal leaf, betel nut jackfruit, banana, papaya,

pineapple, timber, shrimp, try fish, salt, tobacco, ground hut, coco hut, rubber etc.

Land use: Cultivable land- 79500 hectares, Forestry-91565 hectares, Follow land-

8620 hectares, Land for salt processing- 13355 hectares, Land for shrimp

cultivation-24114 hectares, Cultivate land under irrigation-64%

Climate: The climate of beach much in moist. The main course of moist, weather is

a lot of evaporation occurs on the sea. Depth: The depth of the beach is about one

kilometers. It differs on different occur. Ocean current: It’s seasonal and it is parallel

with the coast line. Salinity: The average salinity of the Occur in about 35 ppt.

Temperature: The temperature of sea water is about 280 Celsius on the equatorial

region and on the polar region in about 2 Celsius. Sediment: The sediment of the

beach is mostly and most of the sediments deposits on the continental shelf and

continental rise area.

Figure-3.6: Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach Sea Beach

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After observed Cox’s Bazar sea beach we have found different economic activities.

We have divided it in different categories such as-

1. Primary economic activities

2. Secondary economic activities

3. Tertiary economic activities

4. Quaternary economic activities.

Primary Economic Activities:

Plantation

Agriculture

Gardening

Fishing etc.

Secondary Economic Activities:

Bus

Rickshaw

Van

Tempo

Transportation

Tertiary Economic Activities:

Hotel and restaurant business

Photography

Rent of umbrella and rest bed

Horse riding

Retail setting

Weight measuring

Exhibition of sea fish

Construction.

Quaternary:

Tourism

Museum

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Cox’s Bazar sea beach is facing different threat day by day. Those threats are:

1. Physical induce threat

2. Human induce threat.

Physical induced threats

After observed Cox’s Bazar sea beach, we have found some physical induce threats.

Such as-

Wave (Land erosion)

Tide & ebb (loosing soil texture)

Crab hole (Loosing soil texture and make quick sand)

Storm (Destroy the coastal area)

Land slide/ mass wasting (Decrease the depth of sea)

Tsunami (rarely)

Destroyed of plant

Global warning (Harmful for beach)

Human Induced Threat

Without physical threats for destroyed beach environment, human threats are also

responsible, such as-

1) Commercial uses of beach area-

Polluting the beach

Covering the beach area etc.

2) House riding-

Eroding the beach

3) Spread boat-

Mixing oil with sea water.

4) Wastage (men & others phenomena)-

Hokers, visitor’s etc. polluting the beach

Water bottle, paper coconut, banana, etc. are the waste

Age.

5) Carriers-

Small carriers making erosion.

6) Infrastructure-

Police station, electric poles, hotels, shops.

Settlement increasing

7) Sheds using for recreation-

Evoking the beach

Unstable the beach environment.

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Generally Island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water. In

Bangladesh there many island. Most of island are situated in southern part of

Bangladesh. Their natural scenery are very harming. Tradition goes that at one time

a local peasants discovered a store-image from the forest. He came to know in a

dream that the stone-image belongs to a Hindu deity named mahes. The peasant bail

a temple and placed the image there. It is presumed that the island was named as

Maheskhali. Now it called Maheskhali Island. Maheskhali Island is situated in Cox’s

bazar district. In takes 15 minutes to go there by speedboat. Once upon a time it was

famous for Houses of Health our visiting place was also in Maheskhali Island.

Figure-3.7: Maheskhali Island

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Maheskhali Upazila with an area of 362.18 sq. km. Location: Latitude: 21-28 and

21-45 Longitude: 91-51 and 92-01 E Boundary- It is bounded by Chakaria

upazila on the north, Cox’s bazar sadar upazila and the Bay of Bengal on the south,

Chakaria & Cox’s bazar sadar upazila on the cast, Kutobdia upazila & the Bay of

Bangal on the west. The eastern part of the upazila is separated from mainland by

the Maheskhali Channel. Main Rivers- Bakkhli and Maheskhali chennel is the main

river of Maheskhali island. Land use-Cultivable land-5575.36 Hectares, Salt

production-2073.4 Hectares, Shrimp cultivation- 2105.69 Hectares, Fallow land-

1715.21Hectares.

Graph-3.4: Land Use of Maheskhali Island

Forest resources have a great part to play in the economic development of a country.

25% of the total land should remain under forest-cover for the economic

development of a country. Bangladesh has sot 32 lac areas of forest. The forest cover

is diminishing day to meet greater demand for timber for housing and forniture and

fuel caused by increase of population. In Maheskhali Island, there are many types of

trees such as Meghogouy, Acasia, Bambo, Karan, Banuna, Sattum, Segum, Koroi,

Nut, Gamar, Got’s waste trees etc. Man grove forest are found in Sundarban. But we

have seen some mangrove forest in Maheskhali Island. There are the important forest

resources of this island. The forest resources is limited in Bangladesh. Yet its role in

economic development of the country cannot be ignored.

26

Economic activities are a very important process for a place. In the Maheshkhali

Island there have different types of economic activities. Such as:-

Primary economic activities

Secondary economic activities

Tertiary activities.

Primary activities:

1. Net making and catching fish

2. Salt producing

3. Black smith

4. Dry fish

5. Poultry firm

Secondary activities:

1. Water transportation (boating)

2. Selling betel leaf

3. Wood fuel

4. Iron processing shop

5. Confectionery

6. Jewelry

7. Salt refining

8. Work shop

9. Furniture shop

Tertiary Activities

1. Mat shop

2. cookeries shop and Rickshaw

3. Shoe shop and Pick up.

4. Cloth shop

5. Vegetable market and Van

6. Hair cutting

7. Hotel

8. Dispensary

9. Decorator

10. Tailor’s

11. Electronics

12. Telecommunication

13. Timber shop and Iron shop

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04

04

04

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Coral reefs are one of the most species-rich habitats in the world covering only a

small fraction of the Earth but are home to 20%of the earth’s biodiversity (Moberg

& Folke, 1999). Roughly 60,000 animals and plants inhabit reefs (Reaka-Kudla,

1994) with over 4,000 fish species accounting for nearly a third of all saltwater fish

globally (Burke et al., 2011).They are indicators of ocean health and provide many

important ecological services including physical structure, biotic services, and the

ability to collect historical information for these valuable and diverse ecosystems

(Moberg & Folke, 1999).

They are home to a wide array of organisms that use reefs for spawning, breeding

and feeding grounds thus, regulating and maintaining the resilience of the reef

ecosystem (McClanahan et al., 1994).Coral reefs serve as a buffer from currents,

waves, and storms preventing the loss of land from erosion (Moberg & Folke, 1999).

This process creates environments that promote growth of neighboring ecosystems

such as mangroves and sea-grass ecosystems (Ogden, 1988). Neighboring

ecosystems also benefit from the species such as herbivorous fish and sea urchins

that graze in sea-grass, commercially significant fish, and other organisms which

serve as sustenance for humans (Spurgeon, 1992). Reefs also help to generate

historical climatic information used to identify trends in climate and changes in

ecosystems. Coral skeletons contain layers, much like the rings of a tree, and can be

used to determine past climate conditions such as surface temperature and salinity

levels.

There are many threats to coral reefs and the majority of them are human induced.

Coral reefs are particularly susceptible to human activities because most coral reefs

occur in shallow waters that are near shores where human impacts are the greatest.

Human impacts such as population stress, increased sediment load, shipping,

development along shorelines, over-fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, careless

tourism, and ocean warming and bleaching have dramatic negative impacts on the

coral reefs. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes have significant

effects on the coral reef ecosystem however the damage is considered a natural cycle

of the ecosystem. Human damage has a more significant effect on the coral

ecosystem and it can take a much longer time for the reef to recover.Unplanned

29

development and construction of hotels for tourists on the beach is destroying the

natural beauty as well as the marine ecosystem of St Martin's, the only coral island

of Bangladesh. Now there are nine hotels along the beach and ten more are on the

drawing board. All of them are intended to be situated on the beach. The island,

which was once a haven for Olive Ridley turtles, tiny red crabs and many other

marine animals, is now the victim of mindless, environment-destroying

development. It is by now crowded by different structures. The habitats of rare and

endangered marine life are being destroyed willy-nilly, and the scenic beauty is

being ruined.

Figure-4.1: Sea Turtle

Many big sea turtles were found dead on the beach. Residents of the island said that

once there were a lot of snails, oysters, jelly fish and star fish, but now very few live

snails or oysters are found on the shore. They also said many species of trees have

become extinct and the biodiversity of the island is being depleted. St Martin's Union

Parishad chairman, Moulvi Feroj Ahmed Khan, said many rich people had bought

plots of land along the beach for building hotels, but they did not take permission

from the authorities concerned in this regard. Large tracts of the land were once used

for cultivation by the local people, said an elderly man of the island, but now they

are being covered by buildings, endangering the food security of the country. The

number of inhabitants has been increasing day by day in this small island of 8 square

kilometres, threatening the ecology of this unique coral area. There are more than

30

7,000 inhabitants in the island,the chairman said, and many of the Rohingya refugees

hide there.He said they had held a meeting on November 3 with the deputy

commissioner to take steps for driving 70 Rohingya refugee families out of the

island. "We are yet to expel any refugee."Though the government took up different

projects to protect the biodiversity and ecosystem of the island, illegal collection of

algae and coral is still going on in the Chhera Island, a part of the main island, which

is separated from St Martin's during high tide. A fisherman, who was selling many

live and dead algae on November 18 at the Chhera Island, told New Age that they

were aware that algae collection was illegal. "But it has high demand among the

tourists. Many visitors ask us where they can get such algae. So we respond to the

demand. After all, we have to make a living." (New Age, December 5, 2004)

The hotels and restaurants that sprang up in the recent past in Saint Martin's Island,

one of the ecologically critical areas (ECA) in the country, have been operating

without any official approval. According to the law, building of any structure and

carrying out any activity that might pollute the environment or harm the flora and

fauna in an ECA is strictly prohibited. But the different government agencies turning

a blind eye to the violation. Nearly 100 privately owned hotels and restaurants are

currently doing business in the 3.34-square kilometre island with only 10,000

inhabitants. Most of these business houses found them in last twelve years. Sources

said that on an average 2,500 visitors use to visit the island every day during the

peak tourist season. They reserve their seats in the hotels. The problem is that the

sewerage lines from the hotels are polluting the blue waters.

Use of diesel to generate electricity for the hotels having 800-bed capacity for

overnight stay of tourists is also degrading the natural environment of the island in

the southern-most tip of Bangladesh. Permanently migrated Rohingyas have raised

the population of Saint Martin's Island from about 5,700 in 2001 to nearly 10,000 in

2009. On September 29, 2007, the Director of Department of Environment (DoE),

Chittagong Division, in a letter said, the DoE had never given approval to any hotel

or restaurant to operate on the island. Considering its rich natural biodiversity, the

government in a gazette notification declared Saint Martin’s an ecologically critical

area on April 19, 1999. Extraction of coral, seashell and conch, felling of trees and

building structures were declared restricted in the gazette.

Director of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (Bela), Syeda Rizwana

Hasan said, construction of any hotel or restaurant within the ECA is prohibited. It's

a violation of Sections 5 and 12 of Environment Protection Act. Violators could be

31

punished with a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and additional Taka 10 lakh in

fine, she added. Thousands of tourists are thronging St Martin's Island every year for

its crystal clear blue seawaters, corals, shells, conch and giant crabs. According to

Saint Martin's Hotel Owners' Association sources, not less than 1, 20,000 people

visited the island last year. The objective of the government-sponsored eco-tourism

project was to ensure an undisturbed habitat for the flora and fauna of the island.

Figure-4.2: Turtle Eggs Hatching

"Sea turtles, one of the major indicators of the health of sea, are not getting the

suitable environment for laying eggs. Besides, the number of mother turtles is

decreasing every year. It will be harmful for our sea as the turtles help keep the sea

environment clean," said an official of Ministry of Environment and Forest.

According to a government report, most of the residential houses and all but 10

hotels and restaurants on the island do not use ring-slab toilets. Raw sewage and

other wastes are discharged in the open environment instead.

In a survey conducted by Village Education Resource Center (Verc), a non-

32

government organization, the presence of coliform bacteria, a serious contaminant

found in food or drinking water, was detected in the groundwater of St Martin’s. The

presence of the bacteria was detected to be 10 times higher than Bangladesh

standard. Observers believe that the said island has potentialities to send revenues to

the government in millions. So, the future plans should be structured accordingly,

including protection of environment. (Source: The New Nation, April 11, 2010)

Environmental degradation caused by tourism activities is commonplace. Due to

their small size, many small islands face relatively large environmental dangers,

even in the absence of tourism, mostly due to the pressures arising from the

process of economic development. Building for tourist accommodation such as

hotels, motels, restaurants has increased at a very rapid rate as a result of intensive

development in certain areas. The fragility of their ecosystem arises as a result of a

low level of resistance to outside influences. The increase in tourism has brought

with it increased use of environmentally dangerous products, such as plastic

containers and emissions of toxic gasses from cars, power stations, and barbecue

grills. Many of these environmental dangers are of course exacerbated by tourism

(Briguglio and Briguglio, 1996). The huge amount of waste produced by tourist

related activity gives rise to huge waste dumps, which are often only a short

distance away from the tourist centres. This creates health hazards and reduces the

aesthetic qualities of the place. Another problem of small size island is related to

density and carrying capacity. Many islands experience high tourism densities in

relation to their population and land area. There are nearly 7000 people on this

small island of 12 square kilometres area. In tourist season (Nov.-Feb.) average

3000 people visit this island daily, which is beyond the holding capacity of this

small marine island (Haider, 2008). There is regular big ferry services and engine

boat, used for carrying of tourist, to the island. For this reason, a huge amount of

crude oil and other non-biodegradable waste are released in the sea water adjacent

to the island. In addition to this huge amounts of untreated market and domestic

wastes, which include sewage matters (only 5% of the local people have sanitary

latrine facilities) from the local people and tourists, are discharged into the adjacent

coastal water. Thus the quality of coastal water is degrading gradually. Coral,

algae, different species of shells, star fish are collected by the tourists regularly.

Local people also collect stone and rock daily for lime making and construction

33

works, which is a threat for the existence of the island. Construction of multi-

storied concrete building, hotel, motel, jetty etc. for the last few years are also

posing a threat for this special type of island and its sensitive biodiversity, though

that type development activities and construction have been stopped now by the

government. In addition to above factors, cyclones, storm surges, heavy fresh

water runoff during monsoon as well as other anthropogenic activities like over

exploitation of coastal fishery resources, harmful boat anchoring practices instead

of mooring buoy and uses of destructive fishing gear, mainly the use of rock

weighted gill nets over the inshore boulder reefs is a prime aggravation and one of

the main causes of death of the endangered rare turtle species, who came to lay

their eggs considering this island as ideal nesting ground after crossing many

hundred miles. Nearly every day one/two big turtles are found dead by human

activities in the coastal water of St. Martin's island. (Haider, 2008)

At present many tourism company build hotels, motels, resort for the tourist. But

these tourists completely destroy the ecological balance, biodiversity of the island.

Waste are found lying on the island everywhere. We visited the entire area and found

some mismanagement and anti-lawful work in the island. They are given below-

Tourist come here every day and stay on the hotels. But they seems as illiterate

and no sense of humor. They thought that they come to Saint Martin’s island only

for pollution. They through the waste materials here and there.

The hotels built in the island have no waste treatment process. They directly

release the used water to the land. They dump both organic and inorganic

materials together. Organic materials work as a fertilizers but in organic materials

such as poly-ethene degraded the fertility of the soil.

Most of the hotels have no hygienic system. There are many waste materials seen

here and there in the island.

34

Most of the hotels build in the island as an unplanned way. They don’t follow

any rules to construct this buildings and the hotels are responsible for the

unplanned land use.

Sewage and waste disposal in the island are increasing as tourism being

developed in an unsustainable manner.

Tourist hotel currently at the west beach connected their sewage line to seawater

that will impact seriously in future. This uncontrolled waste disposal if increase

further may have a serve impact of the ground water and inertial biodiversity.

Large-scale removal of intertidal boulders for coastal protection and clearance

for boat anchoring has been occurred since long time before. It prevents nesting

turtle to emerge up to the dry sandy beach.

Even the oil seepage from the ship also pollute the water.

Figure-4.3: Waste Pollutant thrown by the Tourists

35

St. Martin’s Island has been identified for protection and management under the

National Conservation Strategy of Bangladesh, but no analysis and identification of

key sites has been carried out. There are no management plans and no trained staff

to undertake conservation, therefore destructive human activities continues to

degrade the reef resources. As there are no baseline data on St Martin’s Island,

surveys and taxonomic knowledge are needed, particularly concerning fish and

invertebrate diversity. There is no clear conservation policy and consultations with

the local community on resource management have been limited. A review of the

National Conservation Strategy showed that legal and institutional issues have

largely been ignored. To manage tourism in any marine park, it is useful not to lose

sight of the primary objective of declaring the islands as marine protected areas.

There are several points that are worth considering in order allowing tourism

opportunities to work in perpetuity with the environmental conservation objective.

These points are:

Establish ecotourism in marine protected area

Maintaining the ecosystem integrity should be on the very top of priority list of goals.

It is indeed a challenge for park managers to balance between providing quality

recreation experiences for the visitors and protecting the marine ecosystem and

resources. Ecotourism is environmentally friendly tourism that gives people the

opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and learn how to be more

environmentally responsible.

Recognizing tourism related matters that affect the island’s resources

Ecologically critical areas visitation is gaining popularity in tourism marketing and

widespread interests among visitors. It is common knowledge that adverse impact to

this fragile environment is likely to occur if tourism planning and management are

done arbitrarily. Effects of tourism to the country’s small island have long been

discussed and the existing tourism related issues affecting island’s ecosystem and

resources are generally documented to land development for tourism facilities,

pollution, damage and destruction of coral reef systems as well as illegal activities

done by visitors.

36

Impact assessment and minimizing adverse impact

Environmental and social impact assessments can be undertaken for this purpose.

Such assessments should contain a description of the potential direct, indirect and

provoked effects on the environment and on society at large, and a description of

alternative sites which can be used for the same projects. The exercise should also

propose suggestions as to how the adverse environmental and social effects can be

mitigated. One of the problems with tourism inflows in St. Martin’s Island is that

such inflows tend to be concentrated in some areas and in some months. This

suggests that if the impact could be spread, the carrying capacity of the islands would

be less taxed, and the environment less threatened.

Visitor-impact problems and identify management strategies

There are several visitor-planning frameworks to assess visitor impact problems and

identify management strategies. The processes involved in all frameworks are useful

steps that could contribute to balancing the conflicting goals of conservation and

recreational opportunities.

Improving management strategies of the islands

The development of a sustainable approach to tourism must be based on strategies

that protect and strengthen both natural and cultural diversities. It needs to integrate

the rights of local communities to use and manage natural resources. And it should

ensure that any profits from tourism are used by the local populations as well as for

the conservation of natural resources. Ecotourism has the potential to help preserve

and enrich local indigenous cultures not only in the short term. When developing an

ecotourism strategy, the vulnerability of the natural or cultural resource being

promoted must be carefully assessed to ensure that any planned activities do not

threaten or undermine it. Governments’ planning and development approach of the

islands is perhaps more on fostering tourism for socio-economic reason. Thus, much

attention has been or is being given to physical development such as the

development of resorts and other tourism infrastructures. To successfully protect and

conserve the marine resources, it is important to acknowledge the interlinked effect

of land with the sea.

Setting standards and monitoring

Many environmental problems arising from tourism are associated with the absence

of standards and ineffective monitoring. Certain activities need to be controlled and

monitored on an ongoing basis, either because they cause damage due to certain

37

unforeseen circumstances. Monitoring implies setting quality and quantity standards

and codes of good practice in the first place, which in the case of tourism could

include levels of permitted tourist capacity in certain beaches, maximum levels of

pollution etc. Enforcement problems are now the main reason why environmental

degradation still takes place at what too many is an unacceptable level. The legal and

institutional set-up is sufficiently developed, as was shown above (Briguglio and

Briguglio, 1996).

Social Impoverishment

One problem is that the foreign culture, as portrayed by tourists, appears out of

context. While on vacation, many people change their styles of sleeping, spending,

gambling, and socialising. As a result the view that local people receive of the

visitors' culture is not only alien, but also inaccurate. In general, the more exotic the

location, the more in demand as a tourist destination. This is why tourists tend to

favour places with a high degree of biodiversity. The contradiction is that tourism,

which thrives in high- diversity environments, can accelerate the degradation of such

environments.

Alternative forms of tourism

Most tourists visit the islands mostly because of its Mediterranean climate, and its

sea and sun. One is tempted to conclude therefore that alternative forms to mass

tourism are attractive only if they supplement traditional tourism and if they enhance

the potential of the island as a tourist resort. Tourism on economic grounds,

preemptive and corrective measures to reduce its negative impacts may be more

meaningful and operationally useful than policies to reduce the inflows (Briguglio

and Briguglio, 1996).

Self-regulation

Self-regulation can be advocated as a means of reducing the negative environmental

impact of tourism. It is in the interests of the tourism industry itself to protect the

environment and therefore there exists an incentive for the tourist industry itself to

prevent destruction of the environment. There is now a general consensus that

planning tourism activities are essential, primarily because there is a growing

concern about its impact on the environment (Briguglio and Briguglio, 1996).

38

Impact on Soil Composition: Soil profile in the salt faming land shows that

top soil layer contains very fine salty clay layer, thickness of 4 cm. The sub

surface soil layers are consequently silt and clay. The salty layer is yellowish

color, which is the evidence of oxidized soil. After a long geological time this

land may be covered to peat layer. The top soil layer is salty clay and for

swelling and shrinking mud crack occurs. When salt water is captured huge

amount of water percolate easily to the sub surface soil through the mud crack,

which is severe effect on soil composition.

Impact on ground water: A significant amount of stagnant saline water

directly penetrates to the ground water and contaminating ground water.

Chemicals are used in salt cultivation enters in ground water through soil

horizon by leaching process. As a result, ground water contamination is a

major problem in study area.

Impact on Weather: Evaporation of saline water carries very fine salt grains

in this area, which accumulated in the atmosphere. The soil grains come back

as precipitation. That is why the salinity of precipitation is high and changes

the atmospheric quality.

Impact on Soil pH and Infiltration: Because of salt cultivation in

agricultural land soil, pH increases and preparation of saltpan reduce

infiltration rate of the soil.

Impact on ecology and biodiversity: Soil nutrient is reduced because of salt

cultivation. This creates an adverse condition for vegetation and other micro

biota. The ecosystem based on this vegetation is damaged. It may cause the

extinction of many species.

Salinity Impact on Tree Production: Tree production (both fruit and forest

trees) are also being hampered due to salinity. In the surveyed area, the fruit

trees like mango, beetle nut, coconut, sapota, date palm, giant taro, jackfruit,

black berry, wax jumbo etc are disappearing gradually. Drastic reduce growth

of beetle nut, papaya and banana were also noticed. However, some exotic

quick growing trees like babla, rain tree, and eucalyptus are growing

satisfactorily.

Another Environmental effects of salinity: Due to salinity the

physiographic structure of saline areas are changing rapidly. In this region,

climatic change becomes a vital point for future generation. Declining tree

species production, reducing soil fertility, increasing disease etc.

39

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Plant Diversity: The main vegetation of this island is coconut, betel nut & bamboo.

Coconut trees are abundant & more concentrated in the Jinjira area. The soil of the

island is not so fertile. The main agricultural products are onion, watermelon & some

rice. According to Tomascik (1997) subtidal habitats of Narikel Jinjira support

highly roductive and diverse algal/sea grass beds. From his seaweeds of economic

importance from the St. Martin’s Island and that about 50 km2 of potential area

suitable for seaweed cultivation.

Trees: Among the naturally occurring trees, two species of Pandanus (locally called

keya) and one species of Streblus dominate. A number of trees such as coconut palms

have been introduced and planted by the local inhabitants to obtain food, fibre, fuel,

and construction materials for houses and boats. As noted earlier the small strips of

mangroves on Dakhin Para at Cheradia and Gola Chipa hold a very small mangrove

formation mostly of Sonneratia apetala and Lumnitzera racemosa. Coconut Palm

Cocos nucifera (locally called Narikel) is abundantly cultivated on the Island and

has given the Bangla name of St. Martin’s – Narikel Jhinjira. Three other species of

Palmae occur on the island, namely: Areca Nut Palm Areca catechu (locally called

supari), Asian Palmyra Palm Borassus flabellifer (locally called taal), and Silver

Date Palm Phoenix sylvestris (locally called khejur).

Figure-5.1: Trees of Saint Martin Island

Mangrove Species: In the remnant patch of mangrove forest are found the following

mangrove associated species: Acanthus ilicifolius, Hibiscus tiliceous, Excoecaria

agallocha, Avicennia marina and Clerodendrum inerme. Aegialitis rotundifolia, an

41

early coloniser, has disappeared from the Island. Streblus asper and Vitex trifoliata

are also found among the crevices formed by rocks, adjacent to a swamp supporting

the young mangrove formation.

Figure-5.2: Mangrove trees during high tide

Shrubs: Areas of shrubs are dominated by the abundant Vitex trifolea (locally

known as nil nishinda) and Vitex negundo, both belonging to the Amiacea family,

and by some species of Leguminosae. The rattan Calamus guruba (locally called jali

bet) also occurs naturally on the Island.

Screw Pines: One of two dominant tree genera, Pandanaceae, is represented by two

species, namely the screw pines Pandanus fascicularis locally called keya and

Pandanus foetidus (locally known as keyawata). Pandanus functions virtually as a

42

fence around the Island, protecting inland areas from the elements of wind, water

and sand. Pandanus is important for sand dune formation, maintaining dune structure

and protecting the shoreline from wind and water erosion. Local people use both

species for medicinal purposes, to treat asthma (keyawata) and skin disease (keya).

Figure-5.3: Shrub of screw pine with unripe fruit

Herbs: The main herb of note is the Beach Morning Glory or Goat’s Foot Ipomoea

pes-caprae (locally called Shagor lota). This is an abundant creeping vine belonging

to the Convolvulaceae family. It grows on the upper parts of beaches and endures

salt spray.

Algae: 154 species of marine algae have been identified, mainly from the Island’s

inter-tidal and littoral zone. Marine algae form an important source of nutrients for

of animal life in which feed directly on themor prey on animals that eat algae.

Besides the larger species of algae, microscopic organisms such as diatoms,

occurring as thick plankton are the chief source of food for many molluscs,

crustaceans, tunicates and fish. The larger species, commonly known as seaweed,

play an important role in protecting soil from erosion and in enhancing

sedimentation by holding the organic and inorganic components of brackish water

during the monsoon. Seaweed is thus very important for improving and protecting

beach structure.

43

Figure-5.4: Thalloid Algae

Faunal Diversity: St. Martin’s Island is enriched by different fauna. These are

Corals, Molluscs, Echinodermata, Amphibia, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals etc

Reptiles: A total of 29 reptilian species are found such as Varaus salvator (gui shap),

Calotes versicolor (kaklash), Caretta caretta (sagor kachim), Naja kaouthia (Padma

gokhra), Naja naja knouthia (khaya gokhra) etc.

Birds: A total of 120 spcies of birds are found, of them 77 species are resident and

43 are migratory such as Nettapus coromandelianus ( Bali hash), Coracias

benghalensis (Nilkantho), Halcyon pileata ( Machranga), Eudynamis scolopacea

(kokil), Amaurornis phoenicurus (Dahuk) etc.

44

Figure-5.5: Birds of Saint Martin Adjacent Area.

Mammals: A total of 25 species of mammals belonging to 7 families are found such

as Pteropus giganteus (Badur), Balaenopterus musculus (nil timi), Delphinus delphis

(Shishu), Rattus norvegicus (Idur) etc.

Echinoderms: A total of only nine species belonging to eight genera in four classes

of the phylum Echinodermata have been identified to species level from the Island,

these comprise four species of sea urchin, one species of sea star, three species of

nudibranchs, and one species of sea cucumber.

Figure-5.6: Sea Archin

45

Coral: The coral communities of the Island are highly significant as there are only

a few examples worldwide where coral communities dominate rock reefs as they do

at St. Martin’s. Coral communities extend to about 200 m offshore of St. Martin’s

Island. In Saint Martin coral are found in 68 species, 10 family and 22 genus. The

island contain 7.5% coral area among the total island. The soft coral community off

the east coast of St. Martin’s Island is a unique feature of the subtidal zone. Soft

corals belong to the subclass Octocoralia, and are represented by three orders:

Helioporacea, Alcyonacea, and Pennatulacea. Different types of coral are brain

coral, table coral, star coral, mushroom coral, zebra coral found in Saint Martin and

Chheradia Island.

Figure-5.7: Different types of dead coral

46

Crustaceans and Molluscs: Crustaceans mainly lobsters, crabs, shrimps are mainly

found in Saint Martin and Chheradia Island. Narikel Jinjira is a small island in the

cradle of the Bay of Bengal with a rich mollusc fauna. Some mollusca are

Ischnochiton boniensis, Scutus unguis, Turbo bruneus, Cellena ornate, Turbo

cinereus, Nerita albicilla, Nerita sp., Cerithidea sp., Natica sp., Polinices sp.,

Planaxis sp., Latrius sp., Pugilina sp., Siphonaria sp., Chama sp., Mactra sp., Turris

crispa, Venus sp. etc.

Figure-5.8: Lobstar

Fish: A total of 234 species of fish in 85 families of 14 orders and 2 classes have

been identified, of which only 16 are freshwater species. Rhinocodon typus (timi

mach), Rhizoprionodon acutus, Narcine brunea (brown electric fish), Ilisha

elongata (Big eye ilisha), Coilia ramcarati (korati), Clarias batrachus (Magur

mach), Harpadon nehereus ( Loitta mach), Hippocampus kuda (ghora mach),

Figure-5.9: Different fishes in Saint Martin Island

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The management and conservation activities are not followed properly, where users

of the island still haphazardly utilize the natural resources of coral reef. The

destruction of habitat and over-exploitation of these resources have resulted in

decaling the biodiversity as well as degradation of coastal and island ecosystems.

There is lack of awareness among the resource users about the interaction of various

coastal components and they do not have enough knowledge about the resource and

its importance, utilization and conservation. So, proper implementation of the rules

and regulations for 'Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA's)', declaration and

implementation of 'Marine Protected Area (MPA)' as suggested by Tomasik (1997),

control of pollution, sustainable and controlled tourism, alternative livelihood for the

local people, and further research should be immediately undertaken for sustainable

utilisation and to save rich biodiversity of this only coral island of Bangladesh. Still

there may be time to save the biodiversity and fish resources of this island; otherwise

it may be too late. So, all the stakeholders including government policy makers

should come forward to save the marine biodiversity of this important island and the

livelihood of the local people. For the conservation of biodiversity in the St. Martin's

Island the following rules, regulations, policies and management strategies

recommended to be done. Moheshkhali has a unique and harmonious atmosphere.

Visitors will enjoy the simplicity of the island lifestyle and are guaranteed to meet

very colorful characters along the way. How and where to start discovering the

magic of Moheshkhali is up to you, but the island will provide an unforgettable

journey through one of the most beautiful destinations in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar

is a popular destination for tourists who come to Bangladesh. Its diverse attractions,

such as street vendors, large markets and noteworthy sights, see an influx of

thousands of visitors each year. But there is one jewel amongst the attractions of

Cox’s Bazar.

49

Conserve and enhance the coral resources around the Island in Bangladesh

where this important biological resource is available

Conserve the ecologically important moluscan resources and coral bearing

Island of the Country-Narikel Jinjira through measure with the local

people’s participation

Conservation of other flora and fauna of the Island. Conservation and

Development of Marine Turtle Breeding Ground

Develop viable eco-tourism in the Island

Designate, develop and manage the Island as a marine park in the

subsequent stage

Improve the socio-economic status of people of the Island

Establish a marine laboratory to facilitate research on molluscs, coral, flora,

fauna and marine ecosystem

Establish necessary institutional set-up in place

Local peoples training on handicraft production like coconut, shell craft &

Plaster of Paris.

Community people has been trained to make models of sea animal with

coconut shell/wood/ Plaster of Paris, to encourage people/ tourist to buy

model items instead of living coral & shell

Construction of motel for eco-tourism

Coconut sapling production & distribution to plant in the island

Socio-economic survey of the island

Training & distribution of energy saving stove for the Island to prevent

deforestation

50

07

07

07

07

07

51

Khan Ali Reza, Fauna of Bangladesh

Rashid E. Harun, Survey of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh

Shukla R.S. and Chandal C.S., Plant ecology

Sharma R.S., Environmental Biology

Ahmed, M (1995), an overview on the coral reef ecosystem of Bangladesh,

Bangladesh J. Environ. Sci. Vol 1:67-73

Akhtar, A. (1992). Palynology of Girujan clay, St. Martin's Island, Cox's

Bazaar District, Bangladesh. Records of Geological Survey of Bangladesh,

Vol.7, Part 2: 1-24.

Alam, M. and Hasan, M.Q. (1997). The origin of so-called beach rock of St.

Martin Island of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, Oriental Geographer.

BIWTA (1996). Bangladesh Tide Tables, 1996. Department of

Hydrography, Bangladesh Inland water Transport Authority, Dhaka.

Chowdhury, S. Q., Haq. F.A.T.M. and Hassan, K. 1992). Coastal

geomorphology of St. Marin's Island Oriental Geographer 36(2): 30-44.

Municipal data; Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BBC News-Bangladesh's Cox’s Bazar: A paradise being lost?

Tourism and Conservation of Biodiversity: A Case Study of St. Martins

Island, Bangladesh

Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan

Bangladesh National Herbarium (up to February, 2014)

Beachrock in St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh: Implications of sea level

changes on beachrock cementation

Coral Reef- Tropical Rainforest of Oceans:St Martin's, the only coral island

of Bangladesh prey to mindless development

The role of coral reefs -Providing food and shelter for sea creatures

Attractions of Saint Martin’s Island of Bangladesh

Bangladesh: fighting environmental degradation to reduce poverty

Bangladesh's Deep Sea Port @ Moheskhali gains traction

Mushrooming Hotel Trade on St Martin's Flora, fauna of lone coral island

under threat

52

Saving the coral biodiversity of St. Martin's island

Ecosystem health and management of pollution in Bay of Bengal,

Bangladesh

Biological aspects of coastal and marine environment of Bangladesh by Md.

Shahadat Hossian

Bangladesh climate change impacts and vulnerability by Ahsan Uddin

Ahmed

Marine Algae of Saint Martin’s island, Bangladesh by Abdul Aziz and

Towhidul Rahman

Biological and ecological aspects of Saint Martin’s coral island, Bangladesh

by Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal

Conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island in

Bangladesh by Marufa Ishaque.

Coastal resources management in Bangladesh, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Nov-

1994

Bangladesh coastal environment and management, Dr. A. Atiq Rahman

Bangladesher Khaniz Sampad, -Badrul Imam, 1996

Bari, Z. , 2002, Geochemistry and Heavy Mineral study of the Neogene

sandstone and Beach sand across Inani-Dakhin Nhila Hill Range, southeast

Bangladesh ; M. Sc.,Thesis paper, Department of Geological Sciences,

Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1-124 p.

Evans, A. M., 1997, An introduction to Economic Geology and its

Environmental Impact ; Chapman & Hall Ltd., New York, 192-200 p.

Evans, P., 1932, Tertiary Succession in Assam; Trans. Min. Geol. Ins., India,

206-215 p.

Field note book. Folk, R. L., 1974, Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks;

Hemphill Publishing Co., 1-64 p.

Friedman, G. F. and Sanders, J. E., 1978, Principles of Sedimentology; John

Willey and Sons, Inc., New York, 58-84 p.

Guha, D. K., 1978, Tectonic Framework and Oil and Gas prospects of

Bangladesh;

53

08

08

08

08

08

54

Table No-8.1

No. latitude longitude pH salinity TDS

Location- 1

20°37′57″N 92°14′38″E 8.3 23.6 ppt 17.28 ×2

g\L

Location- 2

20°38′12″N

92°14′45″E 8.1 24.3 ppt 17.12 ×2

g\L

Location- 3

20°38′11″N

92°14′29″E 7.9 24.7 ppt 15.55 ×2

g\L

Location- 4

20°37′36″N

92°18′53″E 8 25 ppt 16.52 ×2

g\L

55

Table No-8.2

No. latitude longitude pH salinity Turbidity TDS

Location-1 20°34′52

″N

92°20′22″E

8.2 29.7ppt .43 16.63 ×

2g\L

Location-2 20°34′32

″N

92°20′13″E

8 29.7ppt .76 15.43 ×

2g\L

Location-3 20°34′55

″N

92°20′08″E

8 25.2ppt .76 16.93 ×

2g\L

Location-4 20°35′24

″N

92°20′04″E

7.9 25.2ppt

1.3 15.30 ×

2g\L

Location-5 20°34′57

″N

92°20′17″E

8 25.1ppt .94 15.57 ×2g\L

Month Ja

n Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Average high

°C

28

29

32

33

34

32

31

31

32

32

31

28

31.0

Average low °C 16

18

22

26

28

28

29

27

27

26

22

18

24.0

Precipitation

mm

3

13

38

107

323

790

902

706

389

183

84

25

3,559

56