Perceptions of the Impact of Climate Change on Performance of Fish Hatcheries in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The impacts of climate change (CC) on all spheres of human life are evident worldwide. Fish is the premier protein source, and its production in Bangladesh is mainly dependent on hatchery-based seed production. However, hatchery productivity is disrupted every year due to CC. This study assesses the impacts of CC on fish seed production in hatcheries from the perspective of hatchery owners. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 hatchery owners in five sub-districts (Trishal, Mymensingh Sadar, Gouripur, Fulbaria, and Muktagacha) of the Mymensingh district, the highest aquaculture-producing zone in Bangladesh. Characteristically, hatchery owners are middle-aged and highly educated, with over a decade of experience in fish hatchery management. Likert scale results showed that hatchery owners concur with the evidence of CC, as seen by changes in air and water temperatures, rainfall, and sunlight intensity, as well as frequent natural disasters. Regression analysis showed that erratic rainfall, high temperature, and high solar radiation significantly influenced the hatchery owners’ perceptions of CC. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to divide the impact of CC into 12 components. Maximum variance (>70%) observed could be explained by problems related to embryonic and physiological development of fish fry, environmental changes, disease outbreaks, and poor growth of broodfish. The first PCA explained over 50% of the variances, with significantly higher factor loadings, comprising poor gonadal maturation, low hatching rate, poor egg and seed quality, low fecundity, and poor sperm quality of broodfish. The first PCA confirmed that the impacts of CC on fish hatchery operations were severe. Planting trees on the hatchery premises, aeration of brood ponds, increased water supply, and temperature control can be implemented to address the negative impacts on fish hatcheries. Further research in the laboratory and hatchery environments is needed.