Abstract
The present study aimed to map out the current threats and anticipated impacts of climate change on the most important hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery and the associated fishing communities based on fieldwork in six coastal fishing communities. To collect empirical data, individual interviews, focus group discussions, oral history, and key informant interviews were conducted. To supplement the empirical findings, time-series data of cyclones and sea-borne depressions in the Bay of Bengal were also analyzed. Analysis of secondary data regarding climate change-induced events and regional studies suggested that the biophysical conditions of the Bay of Bengal are likely to be aggravated in the future, potentially causing more frequent extreme events and affecting the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities in Bangladesh. The fisher respondents revealed that the main target hilsa shad fishery is particularly vulnerable to climate change in terms of alterations to migration patterns and breeding and growth performance. The fishers reported constant climate-related risks because they live in seafront locations, exposed to extreme events, and their occupation entails risky sea fishing. Fishers claimed that they often need return to the coast due to unsuitable weather conditions related to cyclones and frequent tropical depressions, which can cause financial losses or even causalities. Such events negatively affect fishers’ livelihoods, and wellbeing. To cope with the impacts of climate change the fishers have adopted various strategies at both sea fishing and household levels. However, these strategies only support the fishers in terms of immediate survival; they are not enough for long-term resilience. To improve the resilience of the hilsa fishers, the study argues for the implementation the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines (SSF Guidelines), which call for longer-term development goals, including in the immediate relief phase, and rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery to reduce vulnerabilities to climate and anthropogenic risks.
Highlights
Climate change currently poses as one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity [1,2]
Using the sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) as a theoretical lens, the present study aims to extrapolate the potential changes of climate and their impacts on fishers’ livelihood assets, emphasizing the natural capital of hilsa fisheries
Future storm surges may be even higher than those experienced presently due to the combined effects of increased temperature and rising sea level
Summary
Climate change currently poses as one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity [1,2]. Climate change is likely to have significant consequences for fisheries and will affect the livelihoods and security of millions of people around the world [9] These impacts are felt at the global scale, tropical marine habitats and fish stocks are vulnerable, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the risks of climate change in the tropical region for better informed responses [14]. The livelihood status and sustainability of fishing communities can be analyzed more effectively through the SLA framework According to this framework (Figure 1), a fishery-based livelihood including fishers’ individual or household assets, activities, and strategies produces more livelihood outcomes, generates more income, and improves food security. Data were coded according to predetermined themes (developed intrinsically from the interview texts), and analyzed using content analysis to extract the main findings
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