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Present Status of Fisheries and Livelihood of the Fishermen in Atrai River, Dinajpur

Md. Fozol Ibna Kausar Ali
Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was carried out to investigate the present fisheries status, constraints and the socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen of the Atrai River at Sadar Upazila under Dinajpur District. The data were collected for a period of five months from January to May 2013 over an area of 5 kilometers at the Atrai River. Total 40 fishermen were randomly selected for the study. Fisheries status including the fishing strategies, fishing seasons and times, duration of fishing, gears, fish compositions, amount of fish caught and fish marketing channels were studied with well structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion and Cross-cheek Interview with key informants. Fisheries status indicated that average fishing experience of the fishermen was 21-30 years, among them 12.5% of the fishermen received training. Four seasons of fishing, 3 categories of fishing times, average 3-4 hours duration of fishing, 8 gears, 26 species of fishes and shellfishes were identified from the study. Among the interviewed fishers 80% and 20% of the fishermen were involved in fishing as main occupation and secondary occupation respectively. The socioeconomic conditions indicated that the highest annual income ranged from Tk. 61,000-90,000 and the lowest annual income ranged from Tk. 30,000-40,000 which indicated the poor socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen. The educational status, housing and sanitary condition of the fishermen were also found in poor condition. Main constraints of the fishermen documented in the study area were declining fish catch, lack of capital, lack of credit facilities, lack of training facilities, instability in the price of fish and natural calamities. As a result fishermen were changing their livelihood from fishing. With view to poor fishing status, a number of recommendations such as control of overfishing, prohibition to the indiscriminate fishing gears, river dredging program, establishment of fish sanctuaries, releasing of fish fingerlings and financial help to the fishermen have been given in order to improve the fisheries of the river and socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen at Dinajpur.

Keywords: Fisheries, Livelihood, Fishermen, Atrai river

Location: Atrai River, Sadar Upazila, Dinajpur District

Start Date: 00-01-2013

End Date: 00-05-2013

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

1. To assess the diversity of fishing gears used in the Atrai river;
2. To undertake a catch assessment and species composition of the Atrai river;
3. To understand the existing fishing status of the Atrai River,
4. To identify the fishing constraints and socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen; and
5. To recommend the sustainable fisheries management of the Atrai River.

Methodology:

Study area: Part of Atrai River at the adjacent to the sadar upazila of Dinajpur district was selected for the present study. Selection of the sample size and sampling technique: Ten fishers were selected from each kilometer of Atrai River under sadar upazila for collecting necessary information. Thus, the total sample size was 40 fishermen who were randomly selected for face to face questionnaire interview for collection of primary data. Data collection methods: During collection of relevant data, both primary and secondary sources were considered. Primary data were collected from the fishermen. Several visits were made to the study area to collect accurate information related to objectives of the study. After each visit collected data were checked for accuracy and clarity. Preparation of questionnaire: A draft interview schedule was developed before preparing the final interview schedule keeping in view the objectives of the study. The draft questionnaire was pre-tested in the study area by interviewing a few fishermen. The questionnaire was then changed, modified and rearranged according to the experience gathered from the pretest. The final questionnaire was then developed in logical sequence, so that the fishermen could answer chronologically. The questionnaire included various questions related to socio-demographic condition, income of fishermen and the family member, factors affecting the level of fish catch and other relevant aspect of riverine fisheries. The questionnaire, which was made for collection of information, is given in Appendix. Questionnaire Interviews (QI): For Questionnaire Interviews, random sampling method was followed. In sample size, 40 fishermen were selected randomly from the study area. Fishermen were interviewed at the river sides and at their houses. About half an hour interview time was taken from each fisherman. Focus Group Discussion (FGD): For the present study, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tool such as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with fishermen. FGD was used to get an overview of issues such as, existing fishing systems, socioeconomic condition of fishermen etc. Cross?cheek Interviews: Cross-cheek Interviews (CI) were conducted with key persons such as Upazila Fisheries Officer (UFO), Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO), and relevant NGOs workers. Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation: The collected data were summarized and scrutinized carefully before the actual tabulation. The processed data were transferred to a master sheet from which classified tables were prepared revealing the finding of the study. For processing and analysis purpose, MS Excel and SPSS have been used. Tables, Bar diagram, Piecharts, etc. have been used for presentation of results. Preparation of the study report has been done in two phase-draft phases and final phase.

Source of Information: MS Thesis, Roll No. 11 FM JD- 05 M, Registration No.: 38380 Session: 2011-2012, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Fisheries status indicated that average fishing experience of the fishermen was 21-30 years, among them 12.5% of the fishermen received training. Four seasons of fishing, 3 categories of fishing times, average 3-4 hours duration of fishing, 8 gears, 26 species of fishes and shellfishes were identified from the study. Among the interviewed fishers 80% and 20% of the fishermen were involved in fishing as main occupation and secondary occupation respectively. The socioeconomic conditions indicated that the highest annual income ranged from Tk. 61,000-90,000 and the lowest annual income ranged from Tk. 30,000-40,000 which indicated the poor socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen. The educational status, housing and sanitary condition of the fishermen were also found in poor condition. Main constraints of the fishermen documented in the study area were declining fish catch, lack of capital, lack of credit facilities, lack of training facilities, instability in the price of fish and natural calamities. As a result fishermen were changing their livelihood from fishing. With view to poor fishing status, a number of recommendations such as control of overfishing, prohibition to the indiscriminate fishing gears, river dredging program, establishment of fish sanctuaries, releasing of fish fingerlings and financial help to the fishermen have been given in order to improve the fisheries of the river and socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen at Dinajpur.

Knowledge Management: Thesis