Editing Bay of Bengal (section)

==== Marine habitats degradation ====
The Bay of Bengal is an area of high biodiversity, with many endangered and vulnerable species. The major transboundary issues relating to habitats are: the loss and degradation of [[mangrove]] habitats; [[Environmental issues with coral reefs|degradation of coral reefs]]; and the loss of, and damage to, [[seagrasses]]. The transboundary nature of these major issues are: that all three critical habitats occur in all BOBLME countries. [[Coastal development hazards|Coastal development]] for several varying uses of the land and sea are common in all BOBLME countries. Trade in products from all the habitats is transboundary in nature. [[Climate change]] impacts are shared by all BOBLME countries.
The main causes of the issues are: [[food security]] needs of the coastal poor; lack of [[Coastal management|coastal development plans]]; increasing trade in products from coastal habitats; coastal development and industrialization; ineffective [[marine protected area]]s and lack of enforcement; upstream development that affects water-flow; [[Nonpoint source pollution|intensive upstream agricultural practices]]; and increasing tourism.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}