Abstract
Hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) have become an essential factor behind the well-being of the fishing community, giving fishers their identity as a source of cultural heritage. A field survey was conducted to understand the socio-economic conditions of hilsa fishers at the Meghna river estuary of Chandpur District using well-structured questionnaire interviews (N = 250) with hilsa fishers. The survey revealed that fishers’ livelihoods and living conditions were still below average due to low literacy levels, lack of professional skills, and low incomes. More than two-thirds of the fishers were entirely dependent on hilsa fishing, while more than one-third had between 11 and 20 years of fishing experience. More than two-thirds of the fishers did not have an alternative occupation during ban periods, and the incentives provided by the government were not adequately received by half of the fishers. Fishers were divided into three groups according to their dependence on hilsa fishing. Significant differences were found between these groups in terms of the age of fishers, annual income from fishing, and annual fishing activity days. Therefore, the government, Fisheries cooperatives, NGOs, and other relevant organizations must unite to support fishers for sustainable hilsa fishery management.
Highlights
Small-scale fisheries are an essential and valuable element of global fisheries and play a crucial role in meeting the basic needs of millions of people worldwide in both developed and developing countries [1]
Considering the above facts, this study aims to evaluate the socio-economic conditions and livelihood strategies of small-scale hilsa fishers at the Meghna river estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh
Most hilsa fishers are so poor that they cannot renew their boats to fish in the aquatic environment
Summary
Small-scale fisheries are an essential and valuable element of global fisheries and play a crucial role in meeting the basic needs of millions of people worldwide in both developed and developing countries [1]. This sector offers many benefits, including economic growth, food, and nutrition security, employment, income for millions of people, and resilience to poverty, for many low-income countries [2]. Approximately 107 million (88%) of the world’s fisheries and fish trade workers are employed in the small-scale fishing industry [3]. Despite the vital role SSFs play in national and local economies [4], they are poorly planned and regulated, marginalized, and often neglected by all levels of government
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