M. S. 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
Sanctuary, Haor, Diversity, Fish production
Dekar haor of Sunamganj, Bangladesh
Conservation and Biodiversity
Dekarhaorlies between latitude 24°46'N and24°57'N and longitude 91°20'E and 91°31'E. The haor is bounded by four Upazilas (Dakshin Sunamganj, Sunamganjsadar, Dowarabazar and Chhatak) of Sunamganj district. Six fish sanctuaries indifferent beels (Chilamara, Ashamara, Gujani, Gujaria, Bordoi and Magura hat kapania) of the AOR were selected for the study. The average size/area of the haor is 25,200 ha (MPHA 2012). Following activities were done to fulfill the objectives of the study. Primary data collection: Data were collected during October, 2018 to March,2019from 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-government, marketing facilities and policy barriers. Fish sample collection: To determine the existing fish diversity of the haor, fish samples were collected from fishermen. The 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). During dry period water level gradually receded in beels, fishes were caught by berjal and cast net every day until final harvest. Sanctuaries were drained out for the final harvest. The number of fish species, weight, and other data were recorded during a fishing period in each study spot. Production, species composition and abundance of every sanctuary were calculated. Total catches of sanctuaries were estimated based on the summing of total harvests in the study period of each sanctuary using recorded data.Catch/production(kg/ha)was estimated using the following equation:
Catch/ha/study period (months)= Total sanctuary catches by group-wise(kg)/Total area covered by sanctuary (ha).
Personal interviews and meetings: Interviewed 20pre-selected respondents in government, NGOs, stakeholders of the sanctuary, fisheries community, local buyers, member of sanctuary management committee, haor side settlers and knowledgeable local people. Focus group discussion: There were four FGDs conducted 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.
J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 175-186, December, 2019
Journal