SEASONAL BAN OF HILSA FISHING AND ITS IMPACT ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF HILSA FISHERMEN IN A SELECTED AREA OF BARISHAL DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an important fish species in the South and Southeast Asia, especially in Bangladesh. The fish has its unique nature gained international demand for its nutritional value, taste, special aroma and delicacy. It is considered as the national fish of Bangladesh and contributes significantly to the national economy. The Hilsa fish is available almost throughout the year in the major rivers and their tributaries, as well as in the Bay of Bengal. The present study aimed to elucidate the livelihood status of Hilsa fishermen at Barishal district in Bangladesh during August, 2017 to August 2018 through questionnaire survey method. The findings showed that, 58.3% fishermen had Hilsa fishing experience of (0-20) years. Near about 100% fishermen reported that Hilsa population is increasing day by day because of imposing the banning period by the government. The present study revealed that 16.7% had monthly income up to Tk. 10,000, 21.7% had monthly income from Tk. 11,000 – Tk. 15,000, 41.6% had monthly income Tk. 15,000- Tk. 20,000 and above monthly income Tk. 20,000, the percentage of fishermen was 20%. In banning period 40% of the fishermen had income level was zero, 25% had total income upto Tk. 20,000 and 15% had total income Tk. 21,000- Tk. 25,000. To conquer the vulnerable condition of Hilsa fishermen during banning season, govt. has already taken some steps including subsidy (by VGF) to the true fishermen through which govt. allocated 40 kg rice/month for three months for every fishermen. But unfortunately they did not get actually quantity due to the dishonesty of local members and chairman. The socio-economic condition of the fishermen in the adjacent area was not satisfactory. The fishermen were deprived of many amenities. Ban of all kinds of fishing for 2 months has positive impact on production of Hilsa and other fishes. But due to ban of all types of fishing gears fishers livelihood have been affected during this ban period as they do not have any alternate income generating activities. Providing some sorts of management policy as well as providing of some extra providence during the ban season of the fishing which may be done within the provision of the VGF card might be recommended for the better livelihood of the fishermen in greater Barishal region. The problems and constraints, of course are interrelated with one another and hence, need to be removed comprehensively through an integrated program for the better livelihood of the Hilsa fishermen.