To assess the impact of dadon (interest-based loan) on catch, quality and post-harvest loss (PHL) reduction of open water fisheries, a 12-month study was carried out among the six fish landing centers (FLC) under 5 haor upazilas in Kishoreganj district of Bangladesh, viz. Chamra ghat Matshaya Arat in Karimganj upazila, Tarail Matshaya Arat in Tarail upazila, Chouganga Matshaya Arat in Itna upazila, Korgaon bazar Matshaya Arat in Kotiadi upazila, Rodar podda Matshaya Arat and Nikli notun bazar Matshaya Arat in Nikli upazila, from August 2018 to July 2019. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire interview and focus group discussion on dadon receiver (DR) and dadon non-receiver (DnR) fishermen and the data were verified and checked through key informant interviews (KII). One hundred twenty (120) interviewees (60 fishermen from each group of DR and DnR) were randomly selected from 6 landing centers to collect empirical data. The rate of commission taken by aratdar was higher in DR (5.9%-8.5%) compared to DnR (3.9%-5.69%). Results indicated that, no icing practice (34.17%), poor hygienic condition during handling (15.83%) and use of inadequate ice in fish after harvest were the major reasons for post-harvest loss of wet fish. The estimated average PHL was 6.7% in fishers' custody from DR compared to DnR (12.4%), but the PHL was increased in the successive supply chain, the PHL of fish from boat to FLC and up to arat by DR was significantly lesser compared to DnR (P < 0.05). The fish handling status was comparatively better in DR fishermen (p > 0.05) compared to DnR, while DR washed their fish better than DnR (p < 0.05). Uses of ice box, steel drum, plastic drum and plastic crate were found to be dominant among the DR compared to DnR (p < 0.05). Ice-fish ratio was found to be inadequate (p < 0.05) by DnR fishermen (ice: fish = 1:2.99) compared to DR (ice: fish = 1:1.58). The catch size and sell/day of fish by DR fishermen were higher compared to that of DnR fishermen (p > 0.05). Therefore, the study revealed that DR fishermen were found to be comparatively able to catch and sell more fish, keep the quality of fish better and reduce the PHL more than DnR fishermen.

The present study was conducted to know the fish drying activities, species used in fish drying and marketing channel of dried fish in Kuakata coast of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. Sea fishes are mostly used for drying and dry fish producers collected raw fishes from arat (landing centers) (70%), fishermen (25%) and little amount from own capture (5%). It was found that 21 fish species were used for drying among them 3 species (Harpadon nehereus, Setipinna phasa, Lepturacanthus savala) were commonly used and other 18 species were fairly used. The peak fish drying season was observed at mid-October to mid-February (in Bengali Kartik to Magh). It was observed that the dry fish producers used salt to produce good quality dry fish and salt mixing rate is 2 kg salt for 30-35 kg raw fish. The duration of drying at normal weather condition is varied between 3-5 days depending on the size of fishes. After drying, the dried fishes were packed in either jute bags or polythene bags and stored at room temperature for marketing. About 95% dried fish products are sold in the wholesale market at Chittagong, Syedpur, and Dhaka and rest 5% sold to the local retail market. However, three (3) step dried fish marketing channels were observed in the study area. The producers sold their product at very lower price and it ranged between Tk. 120-3200 per Kg. The retail price of the dried fishes ranged from Tk. 200-3500 per Kg. The dry fish producers and intermediaries faced various problems like inadequate capital, natural calamities, lack of scientific knowledge and technology, price instability, lack of transport facilities, inadequate storage facilities, lack of physical marketing facilities and marketing information. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2020, 5 (2), 48-59

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) belongs to the Scombridae family to determine the consistency characteristics of tuna fish loins for 28th days at frozen (−18 ± 2°C) storage. The biochemical, microbial, and sensory quality were analyzed by association of official analytical chemists method, plate count, and Quality Index method (QIM), respectively. Protein, lipid, and moisture content were found to decrease significantly (p < 0.05) over the study period. Nonetheless, the values of ash, total volatile base nitrogen, tri-methyl amine nitrogen, pH, and peroxide increased significantly (p < 0.05). After 28 days of frozen storage, the total bacterial load in tuna fish loins was reduced from 3.8 × 105 to 3.3 × 104 colony forming unit/g. Total coliforms reduced from 113 to 5 Most Probable Number (MPN)/g, fecal coliforms declined to undetectable level from 13 MPN/g, and total Salmonella sp. also decreased from 1 MPN/g to unnoticeable, respectively. Organoleptically tuna loins were found in excellent condition up to 14th days although remained acceptable up to 28th days of the study period. The present findings should that the skipjack tuna loins can be retained under an acceptable limit for human consumption at frozen storage conditions up to 28th days.

A serious supply shortage of electricity has created in Bangladesh because electricity generation capacity didn't increase proportionately to the demand; there exist 6000 MW maximum electricity shortage during hot summer days and also in the harvesting and irrigation season. Besides to generate power environment is being deteriorated more and more globally. In this circumstances there is no alternative of renewable energy and Bangladesh have a great opportunity to generate electricity from geothermal energy to overcome this power crisis. North-east region of this country is suitable for planting geothermal power plant. The geothermal gradient at south-east region varies from 19.8 to 29.5°C/km along the northwest 20.8 to 48.7°C/km. We may have 110-153°C at a distance of 3-4 kilometres inside from the earth surface at the north-west. So the geothermal energy is a great opportunity for eliminating this electricity shortage.

To assess the nature and effect of dadon (a non-institutional financing way, built upon a verbal contract between the fishers and the money lenders/mohajons, which is paid back by harvested fish at predetermined lower price, along with 5-10% cash interest) on livelihood status of two fishing communities in Kishoreganj haor, a 12-month study was conducted among the 6 fish landing centers (FLC) under 5