Towards a data-driven marine spatial plan for the maritime area of Bangladesh.

The development of a sustainable blue economy is a priority for the government of Bangladesh. However, to expand the coastal and ocean based economic activities, a marine spatial plan (MSP) is necessary. This paper aims to present a background study to set-up a MSP for the maritime area of Bangladesh. Data on spatial distribution of current maritime activities have been collected from all available sources. These data have been complemented with stakeholder survey data through which information on the constraints for MSP implementation and requirements were collected. Our study found that ecological data and knowledge are currently limited to establish an organized spatial conservation; stakeholder need to be on board right from the beginning to co-produce the MSP; sectorial spatial initiatives such as, for instance, the seaweed mariculture and salt production plans, should be used as case studies, especially for the lessons learned for the development of the MSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]