DECLINATION OF FISH BIODIVERSITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY OF MATHABHANGA RIVER IN CHUADANGA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The Mathabhanga river has abundant fish resources, which plays a significant role in maintaining and replenishing the fish resources. The study was conducted from March to October, 2019 by a questionnaire survey and socio economic study of the fishermen in the Chudanga district. However, fish bio-diversity has rapidly declined in the Mathabhanga River. In this study, 44 fish species were found in the Mathabhanga River belonging to eight orders, 18 families and 29 genera. According to the IUCN Red List, 24.99% of fish species were threatened. Among the threatened species, 13.63% were vulnerable, 9.09% endangered and 2.27% were critically endangered. About 45% of fishermen were illiterate and housing condition of fishermen were dominated by tin-shed with bamboo (65%). A significant proportion of fishermen depend upon village doctors (62%) and 86% of the fishermen were far from power plants. Majority (45%) of fishermen were landless and 75% of fishermen were engaged in fishing as their main occupation whereas 65% of the fishermen had annual income between Tk. 35000 to Tk. 55000. In addition, overall values of diversity richness and evenness indices were found 1.12, 4.99 and 0.57,for vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered species, respectively. These results indicated that dam construction and other human activities have seriously destroyed the fish habitat and led to the decline in fish diversity. Therefore, the conservation of fish has become urgent in the Mathabhanga River, and an integrated management plan should be developed and effectively implemented.