A review of fish diversity, decline drivers, and management of the Tanguar Haor ecosystem: A globally recognized Ramsar site in Bangladesh

Abstract

Tanguar Haor (TH), an ecologically critical area (ECA) and a Ramsar site of worldwide significance, is an essential wetland ecosystem for the Bangladesh’s economic, ecological, social, and cultural aspects. Fish, aquatic plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are notable among the floral and faunal compositions found in this haor. Unfortunately, unsustainable exploitation of its natural resources poses a serious threat to the TH ecosystem. Therefore, the broad objective of this study was to review the status of fish biodiversity along with the driving factors of biodiversity loss and the management issues of the TH ecosystem. A total of 143 species of fishes (137 indigenous and 6 exotic) under 35 families, and 12 orders were documented during the last two decades. Species diversity of the haor has been changed over time due to the effects of climatic, anthropogenic, socioeconomic, and policy related drivers. Furthermore, high dependency on fisheries resources, poverty, and the lack of empowerment to manage the TH fishery were responsible for fish diversity decline. Therefore, ecosystem based co-management through active participation of local community, establishment of balanced fishing tactics, and strengthening alternative livelihoods for highly depended poor harvesters are strongly recommended for the proper management of this valued wetland ecosystem. Furthermore, this review proposes immediate and useful conservation initiatives for the studied wetlands, including comprehensive stock assessment, establishment of gene banks and fish sanctuaries, a combination of input and output control, and regulation with the ECA and RAMSAR guidelines.