SHIPBREAKING YARD AND ITS THREAT TO COASTAL AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY: AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN SITAKUNDA, BANGLADESH

Abstract

The rapid growth of shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda, Chattogram, Bangladesh, has raised concerns about its environmental and biodiversity impacts. This study examines the environmental flow and vulnerability of coastal ecosystems due to expanding shipbreaking activities, utilizing satellite imagery, historical data, and field observations. The industry’s growth has led to significant major changes, with forests and agricultural land being transformed into shipbreaking yards, resulting in deforestation and habitat destruction. Multi-temporal Landsat imagery from 1989–2024 tracks this expansion, revealing an increase from 367 hectares in 1989 to over 5,600 hectares in 2024. The shipbreaking process, which occurs on the intertidal zone, releases hazardous pollutants like oil, chemicals, and heavy metals, degrading soil, water, and air quality. These disruptions have harmed marine and terrestrial biodiversity, especially affecting fish and aquatic habitats. The findings highlight the need for effective environmental management and policy interventions to mitigate the ecological damage. Recommendations include a sustainable ship recycling fund, environmental impact assessments, and stricter regulation enforcement. This research emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with ecological preservation in the shipbreaking industry.