Socio‐economic and ecological challenges of small‐scale fishing and strategies for its sustainable management: A case study of the Old Brahmaputra River,Bangladesh |
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| Authors: | Nesar Ahmed Sanzidur Rahman Stuart W Bunting Cecile Brugere |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, , Bangladesh;2. School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, , UK;3. School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, , UK;4. Stockholm Environment Institute, , University of York, UK |
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| Abstract: | Socio‐economic and ecological challenges faced by the small‐scale fishers dependent on the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh are assessed using a combination of questionnaire survey, co‐monitoring of fish catch, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results reveal that the fishers are involved in professional, seasonal or subsistence fishing. Fish catches from the river have declined significantly because of overfishing, destructive use of fishing gear, water pollution, siltation, rapid urbanization and human encroachment, thereby threatening the health of the river ecosystem as well as the future of small‐scale fishing. We evaluate various social, economic and ecological challenges faced by the fisher communities. We propose a conceptual framework that recognizes linkages among social, economic and ecological aspects in devising a sustainable river fisheries management system. We recommend effective legal enforcement of policies and regulations, strong institutional collaboration and active fisher community participation in management to ensure sustainable use of the resource base. |
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| Keywords: | small‐scale fishing socio‐economic ecological sustainable fisheries management Old Brahmaputra River Bangladesh |
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