Perceived Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Aquaculture in the Cyclone Prone Southwest Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The southwest region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to a range of climatic threats, including cyclones, prolonged flooding, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion. The study investigates how these different drivers affect aquaculture systems and aims to provide critical insights for sustainable management. The survey work focused on the problems, vulnerabilities, migration, and adaptive strategies of communities of the southwest region of Bangladesh, that rely heavily on shrimp, fish, and crab production for their livelihoods. Data were collected from the 80 respondents across four unions (Atulia, Burigoalini, Gabura, and Bhurulia) in Shyannagar Upazila, Satkhira District, using a structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that climate change events have significantly changed shrimp farming in enclosures, pond aquaculture, and crab point management, and negatively impacted livelihoods. Pond aquaculture appeared to be the most vulnerable to climate change conditions, followed by shrimp farming in enclosures and crab points. Furthermore, the adverse effects of climate change compelled human migration within the study area, primarily driven by the search for employment. This study provides evidence of the effects of various climate change stressors on shrimp, fish, and crab production systems and the adaptive difficulties of the communities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. As the natural calamity like cyclone cannot be prevented, understanding the impact of previous events may help people of the affected area as well as the policy makers to plan for better survival.