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Factors Affecting the Fisheries Biodiversity of Ratargul Swamp Forest of Sylhet District, Bangladesh

Mohammed Ariful Islam
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Md. Jahidul Islam
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Sazzad Arefin
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Aminur Rashid
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Sanzib Kumar Barman
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was conducted to identify the factors affecting fisheries biodiversity in Ratargul Swamp Forest under Goainghat Upazila in Sylhet district for a period of 12 months from July 2014 to May 2015. The study was done by questionnaire interviews (QI) of fishes, focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interview (KII) and secondary data collection. During the study period, a total of 94 fish species were recorded where 63 species were found. Among them 28 species are threatened, of which 14 are vulnerable, 10 are endangered and 4 are critically endangered. Highest abundance of commonly available 37 species was found in October to January and lowest species abundance was observed in April to June. It is revealed that there has been gradual reduction of fish diversity in the swamp forest areas that is from the earlier 94 species to present 63 species (32.98% declined). Major factors affecting fish biodiversity were grouped into three categories such as manmade factors, environmental factors and policy issues. Now a day’s uncontrolled management of tourism is one of the main factors for reducing biodiversity. During the survey 91.25% respondents navigation is the main factor for affecting biodiversity followed by tourism and fishing. Among environmental factor, 84.1% respondents opened water depth reduction followed by reducing rainfall and high temperature. Community based fisheries management, fishing gear maintenance, afforestation, implementation of fishing acts and regulation, controlled tourism and public awareness can play great role in conserving fish biodiversity. It can be concluded that factors identified in the present study need to be addressed to conserve and enhance fish biodiversity in the Ratargul swamp forest of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Factors, Ratargul swamp forest

Location: Goainghat Upazila in Sylhet district, Bangladesh.

Start Date: 00-07-2014

End Date: 00-05-2015

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Fisheries diversity, Tree

Objectives:

To identify the factors affecting fisheries biodiversity in Ratargul Swamp Forest under Goainghat Upazila in Sylhet district for a period of 12 months from July 2014 to May 2015.

Methodology:

Duration of the Study: The field investigation was conducted for a period of 12months from July 2014 to May 2015. Site Selection: Selection of the study area is a very important step for conducting any research work. Ratargul Swamp Forest of Sylhet district were selected for the present study. The primary criterion for the selection of the area was suitable geographical coverage for fisheries biodiversity. This is why the forest has been selected considering its importance. Primary Method: 1. Questionnaire survey: To collect data first I had to select a target group in this location and communicate with them through Focused Group Discussion (FGD) to develop a questionnaire. After developing a questionnaire, it was implemented preliminarily to evaluate its efficiency. On the basis of its efficiency, this questionnaire finally was improved and implemented. 2. Direct survey: Direct observation techniques allow for a more systematic, structured process, using well-designed observation record forms. Data was collected by physical observation and interviews with fishermen. Data cross-checking: To justify the accuracy of this primary data, I had to collect some secondary data from books, thesis papers, journals, Government organizations and non-Government organizations like as District Fisheries office, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet. Data analysis: Finally I analyzed these collected data about factors affecting fisheries biodiversity and find out the necessary steps for improvement of habitat by using Microsoft office excels and other modern scientific techniques as appropriate. The collected data were then edited; summarized and graphical representations were made.

Source of Information: IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT), Volume 10, Issue 1 Ver. II (Jan. 2016), PP 60-65; e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.

Article Link (Online Journal): www.iosrjournals.org

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Ratargul forest is naturally a fisheries resourceful zone of Bangladesh because of its rich aquatic biodiversity. The forest ecosystem plays a vital role in sustaining the biodiversity of fish fauna and contributes to the development of the economy of the country (Allan, 1993). There are several factors that are affecting forest biodiversity. According to the statement of the respondent fisherman, complete fishing by dewatering and overfishing were mainly responsible for loss of fish biodiversity. Constructions of watchtowers were responsible for reducing fish biodiversity through squeezing total living areas of fishes. Washed out residues of insecticides, pesticides and herbicides from agricultural land have direct and indirect effects on fish biodiversity. It can be concluded the factors identified in the present study need to be addressed to conserve and enhance fish biodiversity in the Ratargul swamp forest of Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal