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Socio-Economic Conditions of Small-Scale Hilsa Fishers in the Meghna River Estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) have become an essential factor behind the well-being of the fishing community, giving fishers their identity as a source of cultural heritage. A field survey was conducted to understand the socio-economic conditions of hilsa fishers at the Meghna river estuary of Chandpur District using well-structured questionnaire interviews (N = 250) with hilsa fishers. The survey revealed that fishers’ livelihoods and living conditions were still below average due to low literacy levels, lack of professional skills, and low incomes. More than two-thirds of the fishers were entirely dependent on hilsa fishing, while more than one-third had between 11 and 20 years of fishing experience. More than two-thirds of the fishers did not have an alternative occupation during ban periods, and the incentives provided by the government were not adequately received by half of the fishers. Fishers were divided into three groups according to their dependence on hilsa fishing. Significant differences were found between these groups in terms of the age of fishers, annual income from fishing, and annual fishing activity days. Therefore, the government, Fisheries cooperatives, NGOs, and other relevant organizations must unite to support fishers for sustainable hilsa fishery management.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su132212470

Authors: Maruf Ahmed, Sabrina Jannat Mitu, Petra Schneider, Masud Alam, Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder, Md. Mostafa Shamsuzzaman

Institutions: Sylhet Agricultural University, Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal, University of Helsinki

Language: English

Topic: Coastal Fisheries and Human Impacts

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,052