65 New Marine Species Found in bangladesh
5 Potentially Marine Species are New to The World
Bangladesh has taken a major leap in marine science! The EAF-Nansen Programme 2025 survey has revealed 65 marine species newly recorded in Bangladesh, including five that may be entirely new to the world. This marks a historic achievement for the country’s ocean research and biodiversity documentation.
Conducted from 21 August to 21 September 2025, the month-long survey explored the country’s 118,813 sq km maritime territory, reaching unprecedented depths of up to 730 meters. With advanced trawling, plankton analysis, jellyfish mapping, and microplastic sampling, scientists uncovered rich and previously unknown marine life.
Before this survey, Bangladesh had 475 documented marine species, a number that has now grown significantly. Samples of the newly found species have been sent to a South African lab for formal validation.
The initiative brought together a 40-member international team from Bangladesh, Norway, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and FAO. Highlights include:
9,794 fish larvae collected from plankton stations
418 microplastic particles identified
Jellyfish documented at all trawl stations for the first time
Government officials and global partners praised the findings, emphasizing how they will guide future fisheries management, marine conservation, and long-term ocean policies. There is also growing support for acquiring a modern research vessel to strengthen Bangladesh’s marine research capacity.
The survey was part of FAO’s 80th anniversary and celebrated decades of collaboration between Bangladesh and FAO, paving the way toward sustainable ocean stewardship and stronger climate resilience. However, the exact names of the newly recorded species have not yet been publicly released, since specimens have been sent abroad for analysis. Bangladesh’s marine frontier is expanding, and these discoveries signal just how much more awaits beneath the waves.
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