Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Sanctuary Status on Diversity and Production of Fish and Shardfish in Sunamganj Dekar Haor of Bangladesh

MS Islam
Department of Coastal and Marine Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Afzal Hossain
Research Associate
Fisheries Component, KGF Project, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

To ascertain the sanctuary status on diversity and production of fishes data were collected through primary and secondary sources. A total of 64 species belonged to 48 genera including fish (57), freshwater prawns (2), crabs (1) and mollusks (4) were recorded. Of 57 fish species, 52 were indigenous and rest 5 exotic, which belonged to 9 orders and 24 families. Cypriniformes was the most dominant order with 33.33% of total fishes followed by Perciformes (24.56%), Siluriformes (22.81%), Channiformes (7.03%) and both Osteoglossiformes and Clupeiformes (3.51%). Rest orders showed comparatively less percentage. Cyprinidae occupied the highest position (29.82%) in fish population among recorded families. By percent contribution small indigenous species showed the highest contribution (38.86%) with the highest amount (1936.50 kg/ha) in total fish production than other groups. Average fish production in sanctuaries obtained as 4983.60 kg/ha, which is manifolds higher than haor fish production (408 kg/ha) in Bangladesh. Fifteen (15) fish species were found as threatened and categorized them into critically endangered (1), endangered (8) and vulnerable (6). Results of the study reveal that sanctuary has positive impact on diversity and production of fishes in the haor. Therefore, it may be concluded that restoration of threatened species, diversity of flora and fauna, and overall fish production may be increased in wetlands by establishing sanctuary.

Keywords: Sanctuary, Haor, Diversity, Fish production

Location: Biological Laboratory of Coastal and Marine Fisheries Department under Faculty of Fisheries of Sylhet Agricultural University in Sylhet

Start Date: 00-10-2018

End Date: 00-03-2019

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Aquatic animal

Objectives:

To assess the status of sanctuary on fish production, conservation of fishes and diversity in Dekar haor of Sunamganj.

Methodology:

Dekar haor lies between latitude 24°46´N and 24°57´N and longitude 91°20´E and 91°31´E. The haor is bounded by four Upazilas (Dakshin Sunamganj, Sunamganj sadar, Dowarabazar and Chhatak) of Sunamganj district. Six fish sanctuaries in different beels (Chilamara, Ashamara, Gujani, Gujaria, Bordoi and Magura hat kapania) of the Haor were selected for the study. Average size/area of the haor is 25,200 ha (MPHA 2012). Following activities were done to fulfull the objectives of the study. Primary data collection: Data were collected during October, 2018 to March, 2019 from the haor of Bangladesh through a questionnaire. Several questions were asked to collect the primary data. Some of the open-ended questions were asked to know their strengths, drawbacks, assistance from government and non-governments, marketing facilities and policy barriers. Fish sample collection: To determine existing fish diversity of the haor, fish samples were collected from fishermen. Monthly non selective gear was used in study area to collect species composition. Samples in each habitat were randomly collected and primarily sorted out in the collection area with the help of fishermen. Then samples were preserved in 5% formalin solution and brought to the laboratory for subsequent studies. In Water Quality and Biological Laboratory of Coastal and Marine Fisheries Department under Faculty of Fisheries of Sylhet Agricultural University in Sylhet, fishes were counted and identified up to genus/species level with the help of books and manuals (Ahmed et al. 2008, DoF 2014, Siddiqui et al. 2007a, Siddiqui et al. 2007b). equation: Catch/ha/study period (months) = Total sanctuary catches by group-wise (kg)/Total area covered by sanctuary (ha). Personal interviews and meetings: Interviewed 20 pre-selected respondents in government, NGOs, stakeholders of sanctuary, fisheries community, local buyers, member of sanctuary management committee, haor side settlers and knowledgeable local people. Focus group discussion: There were four FGDs conduct During dry period water level gradually receded in beels, fishes were caught by ber jal and cast net everyday until final harvest. Sanctuaries were drained out for final harvest. Number of fish species, weight, and other data were recorded during fishing period in each study spot. Production, species composition and abundance of every sanctuary were calculated. Total catches of sanctuaries were estimated based on summing of total harvests in the study period of each sanctuary using recorded data. Catch/production (kg/ha) was estimated using the following ed to validate the data. Interviews were conducted with the sanctuary owners, fish farmers, fish retailer, fish traders, fishermen community and regulatory authorities. Secondary data collection: Secondary data were collected from some published reports, scientific papers, some official documents and web-based information. Data were entered into MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using MS Excel Data Analysis Tool Kit. At each stage of the survey, data were checked, edited and coded in the field.

Source of Information: Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 175-186, December 2019

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v45i2.46591

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Findings of this study imply that fish sanctuary helps to increase the production of finfish and shardfishes. Some species are also reappeared in sanctuaries of Dekar haor including the threatened fish species. Therefore, sanctuaries should be established in suitable areas of haor, baor and other open waters for conservation, protection and restoration of the breeding and grazing fields, and habitats of fish and other species.

Knowledge Management: Journal