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Risk and Coping Mechanisms of the Carp Spawn Fishing Community of the Halda River, Bangladesh

Aysha Akhtar
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Tarikul Islam
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Shafiqul Islam
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Muhammad Moznu Mia
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Simul Bhuyan
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Manzoorul Kibria
Department of Zoology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Abu Sayeed Muhammad Sharif
Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Bangladesh

Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal
Department of Animal Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

To assess the livelihood risks and coping mechanisms of the spawn fishing community of the Halda river, Chittagong, Bangladesh was conducted. Four areas, namely Ankurighona, Gorduara, Madarimukh and Madunaghat were selected on the basis of the aggregation of spawn fishers. A structured questionnaire survey was made on 152 spawn fishers in two categories i.e. boat owner and hired laborers to collect primary data. Three major man-made risks, namely catch of brood fish, non-functioning sluice gates and cutting of river bends related to egg collection were mentioned by the spawn fishers while salinity intrusion, river erosion and fluctuation in weather variables were found as the main natural risks. Willingness to continue egg collection despite the risks was disagreed by most of the respondents while those who were found to continue egg collection mentioned their driving forces as high profit, tradition and hobby. The respondents expressed that they cannot take any measures to mitigate the risks of salinity intrusion, weather fluctuation, mortality of spawn, non-functioning sluice gates, cutting of river bends and political influences. However, informing police and raising awareness to stop illegal catch of brood, construction of proper sluice gates, stop further cutting of river bends and rehabilitation of erosion victims were mentioned as probable solutions.

Keywords: Coping mechanisms, Risk factors, Spawn fishing

Location: Ankurighona (Gohira Pouroshova, Raozan upazila), Gorduara (Gorduara union, Hathazari upazila), Madarikhal (Madarsha union, Hathazari upazila) and Madunaghat (Madarsha union, Hathazari upazila). Chittagong

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Livelihood

Objectives:

The study, was, therefore, designed to examine the present livelihood status of the spawn fishing community of the Halda river.

Methodology:

The study was undertaken in four areas, namely Ankurighona (Gohira Pouroshova, Raozan upazila), Gorduara (Gorduara union, Hathazari upazila), Madarikhal (Madarsha union, Hathazari upazila) and Madunaghat (Madarsha union, Hathazari upazila). The selection of the sites was based on the concentration of spawn fishers. Data were collected mainly from primary sources. Questionnaire survey was made to collect data randomly from the interviewees. The survey design was based on expert advice from local NGO staff and guidelines for collecting baseline spawn fisheries data. A total of 152 respondents were interviewed randomly for this study. All respondents were categorized into two groups: boat owner and hired laborer. Of 152 respondents, 87 were boat owners and 65 were hired laborers. Secondary data were collected from different books, journals, reports, government office, NGOs etc. Risk factors related to egg collection activity were evaluated to understand the perception of the spawn fishers about different types of risks and probable solutions. The findings would help to figure out the entry points that need to be solved on priority basis to sustain this occupation. In this study, risks were categorized into two groups: man-made and natural. Information on the coping mechanisms adopted by the spawn fishers to mitigate the risks involved in egg collection were assessed to get an insight on the existing situation and required initiatives for improvement. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage means and cross tabulation were used to represent the data for both boat owner and hired laborer. Multiple response analysis was done for open ended questions where the responses were more than one. Frequency and percentage of the responses were considered in order to find out the priority of the respondents. Data were analyzed by SPSS (v.22) and MS-Excel.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 45(1): 85-96, 2017 ISSN: 0304-9027 (print) 2408-8455 (online)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The aim of this study was to understand the livelihood conditions of the spawn fishing community of the Halda River of Chittagong through identifying the risk factors involved in egg collection and assessing their respective coping mechanisms. The major man-made risks were identified as catch of brood fish, nonfunctioning sluice gates and cutting of river bends while salinity intrusion, river erosion and fluctuation in weather parameters were found as the main natural risks. Rehabilitation measures for community people were recommended as probable solution for river erosion. Regarding the sustainability of egg collection in the Halda river, majority of the spawn fishers were found optimistic provided that the government take responsible actions in mitigating the identified threats to this occupation. As coping mechanism to stop illegal catch of brood; informing police and raising awareness were mentioned by the respondents. While the respondents could not mention any adaptive measures to reduce risk of salinity intrusion or weather fluctuation. To mitigate the mortality of spawn, avoiding use of saline water of the river is the best solution. But the spawn fishers were found unaware about the government owned hatchery facilities. Contradictory picture regarding the existence of political influence was found in the study as majority of the hired laborers agreed with it while not by the boat owners. Diversification of income opportunities was identified as the main coping strategy of the spawn fishers for gradual decline in the amount of egg. Based on the study, it can be recommended that sensitizing and raising awareness among the community people is very important to protect the brood fish in the Halda river and its tributaries. In addition, strict implementation of law is equally important to protect the carp brood stock which is the main source of egg. Moreover, stringent monitoring is needed to stop further cutting of river bends which is mainly responsible for erosion and destruction of the breeding grounds. Hatcheries need to be provided with adequate facilities and skilled technician to help the spawn fishers in successful hatching of spawn and the information gap between them should be minimized. To increase the resilience of spawn fishing community, government khas (bare) land should be allocated to those who have lost their homes and assets by river erosion. Alternative options for income generation should be introduced and allowance to be provided to the fishermen during fishing closure season to secure their livelihood. Finally, it should be worthwhile to mention that integrated approach is needed to address the risks involved in egg collection activity and all the stakeholders should come forward to protect and sustain this unique resource of the Halda River.

Knowledge Management: Journal