Fish species availability and socio-economic conditions of fishermen of the Bergobindopur baor, Jashore, Bangladesh

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate fish species availability and socio-economic conditions of
fishermen of the Bergobindopur baor of Jashore district, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 30 fishermen
of the baor through questionnaire interviews and focus group discussion. Various indigenous fish like rui,
punti, tengra, shol, ayre, chital, mohashol and a few exotic fish like tilapia, silver carp, common carp, and
grass carp are available in Bergobindopur baor. Prices of fishes varied from species to species but high priced
fish were mohashol, chital, and shol. Kochal jal, net jal, and hela jal are used for fishing. A large portion of
fishermen (70%) were Hindu, almost all were male (96%) , married (91%) and middle aged (55%). Both
joint and nuclear families were found among the fishermen. Yearly income of the maximum fishermen was
between Tk. 31000 and Tk. 50000. Non-constructed houses were more abundant (88%) and majority (61%)
had electricity facilities. All fishermen used tube well water, sanitary latrines and took allopathic (80%)
treatment which indicated positive signs for health condition. Through fishing, their socio-economic condition
had improved. About 60% fishers had bank accounts and all sent their children to school as well as farmed
cattle. However, the fishers faced some problems like lack of sufficient boats and gears, transportation
problems, inadequate training facilities, lack of financial supports, lack of awareness etc. Therefore, more
institutional, organizational, technical and credit supports are required to minimize their difficulties and
ensure their socio-economic betterment and sustainable livelihoods