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
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.

1
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.

0
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
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

0
 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

0
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
 01

01 01 01

01

1
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.

2
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

3
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

4
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

5
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.

6
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.

7
 02

02 02 02

02

8
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.

Choosing a study topic Report Presentation

Literature Review
Documentation

Formulating the problem for

the study Drawing Conclusion and
Recommendation
Choosing the variables to
study
Finding the Multicultural
Data Collection Variation

Sorting of necessary Data Analysis and

information Interpretation

Graph-2.1: Flowchart showing the methodology of the study

9
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-

Data Sources

Primary Sources Secondary Sources

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 ultural i stitute of Cox’s Bazar. By this seminar we knew
details about tribal, lifestyle and other phenomena.

10
  Map Reading: We came to know about the location and area of our traveling area
fro ap. We k ow the road to Cox’s azaar fro route ap.
 Photograph: We snapped various charming natural sceneries. These photographs
helped us in observation and research. They are also a great source of our

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

enjoyment.

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

11
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

12
 03

03 03 03

03

13
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

Cliff
Back shore High tide line
classifi
--------------------------------------------------------------

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.

14
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 .

15
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.

16
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.

17
 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

18
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.

Differences between Male and

Female

100% Female,
47.67
50% Male,
52.33
0%

Male Female

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%

19
 Main Occupation
30 25.64
25 21.2
17.98
20
15
10 7.64
4.01 4.68
5 1.85 1.86
0

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r
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in

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u

ab

vi
b
re

th
h

e
lt

la

er

m
is
o

ll
cu

O
F

ge

S
F

m
ra
ri

o
tu

a
g

C
W
A

cu
ri
g
A

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%

2.17
0.04
5.6
0.06
Muslim
Hindu
Buddhist
92.13 Christan
Others

Graph-3.3: Religion of Cox’s Bazar District

20
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

21
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.

 Plantation
Primary Economic Activities:

 Agriculture
 Gardening
 Fishing etc.

 Bus
Secondary Economic Activities:

 Rickshaw
 Van
 Tempo
 Transportation

 Hotel and restaurant business

Tertiary Economic Activities:

 Photography
 Rent of umbrella and rest bed
 Horse riding
 Retail setting
 Weight measuring
 Exhibition of sea fish
 Construction.

 Tourism
Quaternary:

 Museum

22
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-

 Polluting the beach

1) Commercial uses of beach area-

 Covering the beach area etc.

 Eroding the beach

2) House riding-

 Mixing oil with sea water.

3) Spread boat-

 Hokers, visitor’s etc. polluting the beach

4) Wastage (men & others phenomena)-

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

Age.

 Small carriers making erosion.

5) Carriers-

 Police station, electric poles, hotels, shops.

6) Infrastructure-

 Settlement increasing

 Evoking the beach

7) Sheds using for recreation-

 Unstable the beach environment.

23
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

24
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.

25
Economic activities are a very important process for a place. In the Maheshkhali

 Primary economic activities

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

 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

26
 04

04 04 04

04

27
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

28
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

29
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

30
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-

31
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

32
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.

33
 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

34
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.

35
  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

36
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).

37
 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.

38
 05

05 05 05

05

39
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

40
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

41
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.

42
 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.

43
 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

44
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

45
 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

46
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06 06 06

06

47
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.

48
 Conserve and enhance the coral resources around the Island in Bangladesh

 Conserve the ecologically important moluscan resources and coral bearing

where this important biological resource is available

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

 Develop viable eco-tourism in the Island

Development of Marine Turtle Breeding Ground

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

 Improve the socio-economic status of people of the Island

subsequent stage

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

 Establish necessary institutional set-up in place

fauna and marine ecosystem

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

 Community people has been trained to make models of sea animal with
Plaster of Paris.

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

 Construction of motel for eco-tourism

model items instead of living coral & shell

 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

49
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

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

 Coral Reef- Tropical Rainforest of Oceans:St Martin's, the only coral island
changes on beachrock cementation

 The role of coral reefs -Providing food and shelter for sea creatures
of Bangladesh prey to mindless development

 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

51
 Saving the coral biodiversity of St. Martin's island
 Ecosystem health and management of pollution in Bay of Bengal,

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

Bangladesh

 Bangladesh climate change impacts and vulnerability by Ahsan Uddin

Shahadat Hossian

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

Ahmed

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

Towhidul Rahman

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

by Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal

 Coastal resources management in Bangladesh, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Nov-

Bangladesh by Marufa Ishaque.

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

1994

 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,

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

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

 Evans, P., 1932, Tertiary Succession in Assam; Trans. Min. Geol. Ins., India,
Environmental Impact ; Chapman & Hall Ltd., New York, 192-200 p.

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

206-215 p.

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

Hemphill Publishing Co., 1-64 p.

 Guha, D. K., 1978, Tectonic Framework and Oil and Gas prospects of
Willey and Sons, Inc., New York, 58-84 p.

Bangladesh;

52
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08 08 08

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53
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 92°14 45 E 8.1 24.3 ppt 17.12 ×2

20°38 12 N g\L

Location- 3 92°14 29 E 7.9 24.7 ppt 15.55 ×2

20°38 11 N g\L

Location- 4 92°18 53 E 8 25 ppt 16.52 ×2

20°37 36 N g\L

54
 Table No-8.2
No. latitude longitude pH salinity Turbidity TDS

Location-1 20°34 52 92°20 22 E 8.2 29.7ppt .43 16.63 ×

N 2g\L

Location-2 20°34 32 92°20 13 E 8 29.7ppt .76 15.43 ×

N 2g\L

Location-3 20°34 55 92°20 08 E 8 25.2ppt .76 16.93 ×

N 2g\L

Location-4 20°35 24 92°20 04 E 7.9 25.2ppt 1.3 15.30 ×

N 2g\L

Location-5 20°34 57 92°20 17 E 8 25.1ppt .94 15.57 ×2g\L

N

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

Average high 28 29 32 33 34 32 31 31 32 32 31 28 31.0

°C
16 18 22 26 28 28 29 27 27 26 22 18 24.0
Average low °C
Precipitation 3 13 38 107 323 790 902 706 389 183 84 25 3,559
mm

55
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