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Understanding Social-Ecological Challenges of a Small-Scale Hilsa ( Tenualosa ilisha ) Fishery in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder

    (Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Doctoral Programme in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science (DENVI), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Aili Pyhälä

    (Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geosciences and Geography, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Md. Abdul Wahab

    (WorldFish, Bangladesh and South Asia Office, House 2B, Road 04, Block-B, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh)

  • Simo Sarkki

    (Cultural Anthropology, University of Oulu, P.O Box 1000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland)

  • Petra Schneider

    (Department for Water, Environment, Civil Engineering and Safety, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, Breitscheidstraße 2, D-39114 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Mohammad Mahmudul Islam

    (Department of Coastal and Marine Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh)

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) have been playing a crucial role in meeting the basic needs of millions of people around the world. Despite this, the sustainability of global fisheries is a growing concern, and the factors enabling or constraining the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries remain poorly understood. Hilsa shad ( Tenualosa ilisha ) is the single most valuable species harvested in Bangladesh waters, serves nutrition, income, and employment to the large population. This study analyzed the state and challenges of hilsa fishery in the Gangetic River systems (Padma and Meghna Rivers) by using two frameworks, namely the social-ecological systems (SES) and drivers-pressure-state-impact-responses (DPSIR) frameworks. Primary data for this analysis were collected by in-depth interviews (n = 130) and focus group discussions (n = 8) with various stakeholders in the hilsa fisheries. The perspectives explored here have been both critical and constructive, including the identification of problems and suggestions for improving the management of this particular social-ecological system. Hilsa fisheries, however, have come under severe threat since 2003 because of population growth, overfishing, pollution, climate change, the disruption of migration routes due to siltation, etc. All these have caused reduced catches and less stable incomes for fishers. This, in turn, has led to poverty, malnutrition, social tensions, stakeholder conflicts, and debt cycles amongst more impoverished fishing communities. These problems have been compounded by improved fishing technology amongst larger-scale ventures, the use of illegal fishing gears, and the non-compliance of government fishery management programs. Recommendations include the promotion of community-supported fisheries, the enhancement of stakeholder’s social resilience, the introduction of co-management approach, an increase in incentives and formal financial supports, and possible community-managed sustainable ecotourism including hilsa fishing-based tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Aili Pyhälä & Md. Abdul Wahab & Simo Sarkki & Petra Schneider & Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, 2019. "Understanding Social-Ecological Challenges of a Small-Scale Hilsa ( Tenualosa ilisha ) Fishery in Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4814-:d:292551
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    References listed on IDEAS

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