Impact of fishing ban on socioeconomic status of Hilsa fishers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Fishing ban is a useful regulatory measure for sustainable management and conservation of hilsa shad (Tenualosailisha) in Bangladesh. This study investigated the socioeconomic status of hilsa fishers, as well as their perceptions regarding the performance of fishing bans and coping strategies. Data were collected from 300 fishers residing in the three study areas by using semi-structured questionnaire to collect data related to the livelihood and socioeconomic variables of the fishers. Besides, fishers’ perceptions regarding the performance of the ban as well as income generated from other activities during the fishing ban were also incorporated. Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Crosscheck Interviews (CI) with key informants’ interview was also conducted to collect general information and to justify the collected information.  The majority of the fishers feel the bans have resulted in positive socioeconomic impacts which enhance their income and livelihood status from fishing. However, its impact on loss of income and level of unemployment during ban forced some fishers to drive away the ban. In contrast, diversified alternative livelihood options have been adopted by fishers to cope with the ban that not only pull them out from dependency solely on hilsa fishing but also reduce the fishing pressure on the hilsa fishery as well as fish biodiversity. The study showed a positive correlation between fishing ban and resources’ sustainability. In spite of the difficulties faced by fishers during ban, majority of the fishers support the ban for the long-term conservation of hilsa as it is their basic sustenance.