Post-harvest losses in marine fisheries of Bangladesh

Abstract

Existing literature highlights significant income loss due to Post-Harvest Loss (PHL) across the fisheries value chain in developing countries like Bangladesh. This is attributed to inappropriate fishing tools, poor infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, and inefficient transportation. This study estimated PHL and its determinants in Bangladesh's marine fisheries using the Questionnaire Loss Assessment Method (QLAM) based on data collected from 1132 respondents, including fishermen and traders, from October 2019 to March 2021. The results reveal that physical, market, and monetary PHL in marine fisheries are 0.82 %, 6.41 %, and $228.52 per ton, respectively. Annually, the country loses approximately $151 million due to PHL in marine fisheries, with the highest market losses in Snapper, Pomfret, and Hilsa fish. The main reasons for PHL include the duration of fish remain in the net after being caught, insufficient ice, lack of insulated containers and storage facilities, delayed marketing, and oversupply. The study suggests adopting modern harvesting technology, enforcing regulations for scientific gear, and increasing storage capacity at landing and selling points to reduce PHL in marine fisheries.