Availability of Fish Species and Socio-economic Conditions of Fish Sellers at the Selected Fish Markets in Gazipur Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh

Abstract

A survey-based study was conducted to explore the availability of fish species and the socio-economic conditions of fish sellers at the selected fish markets in Gazipur Sadar upazila. Data were collected from four fish markets namely Shimultoli, Salna, Joydebpur, and Chowrasta fish market. A total of 40 fish sellers, 10 from each fish market were interviewed at the fish market. To understand the pricing dynamics and variety of fish in each market, structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the availability of different fish species, their sizes, and prices per kilogram. In addition, the survey looked into the socio-economic backgrounds of fish sellers, including age, marriage status, income, family size, access to financial services, housing conditions, water sources, electricity supply, and medical facilities. A total of 45 fish species of both freshwater and marine water and 15 species of dried fish species were available in these markets. Not only the prices of fishes varied from species to species, but also from market to market. Almost all the fish sellers were male and married (88%). Among the fish sellers, both joint and nuclear families were present. Monthly income of the fish sellers was between BDT 15,000 and 40,000. 73% of the fish sellers had tin shed house, 97% had well sanitary system, 98% drank tube well water, 97% had electricity facility and 78% had medical facilities. Only 36% of the fish sellers had bank accounts. However, the fish sellers faced some problems such as lack of awareness, lack of credit support etc. Therefore, more technical and financial support are needed for ensuring their socio-economic advancement.