Developing Climate Information Services for Aquaculture in Bangladesh: A Decision Framework for Managing Temperature and Rainfall Variability-Induced Risks

Abstract

Climate information services (CIS) are increasingly in demand to assist farmers in managing risks associated with climate variability and extremes experienced in food production. However, there are significant gaps in the availability and accessibility of these services, especially in aquatic food production in developing countries. In response, this study aims to generate the background knowledge for developing climate information and decision support services tailored for aquaculture farmers in Bangladesh. We surveyed 800 fish-farming households, interviewed 30 key informants, and conducted a systematic literature review to identify climate-sensitive operations and management decisions in aquaculture and to document fish-farmers' awareness of the relationships between climate variability and aquatic food production systems. We also sought to identify the lead time and communication method(s) needed to deploy forecasts effectively and prepare aquaculture farmers to act in response to the forecasts. A fish-farming activity calendar was developed that identified high temperature, cold spell, heavy rainfall, and dry spell events as key climatic phenomena affecting year-round aquaculture operations, including pond preparation and maintenance, fingerling stocking, grow-out management, and harvesting. We also identified five climate-sensitive management decision points and 26 potential advisories in line with specific climate variability to manage induced risks in the day-to-day operations of fish farmers. Finally, the research team developed a decision framework based on the temperature and rainfall thresholds for the grow-out phase of four widely cultivated and economically important fish species in Bangladesh. This innovative decision support approach is to our knowledge the very first endeavor to develop CIS using species-specific temperature and rainfall thresholds to reduce climate risks and ensure resilience capacity for South Asian aquaculture system.

Foresighting future climate change impacts on fisheries and aquaculture in vietnam

“…Prioritizing inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic food systems, consumption patterns and supply chains can contribute to improved environmental performance toward achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Developing climate information services for aquaculture can assist farmers to manage risks associated with climate variability and extreme weather conditions experienced in food production (Hossain et al, 2021). According to the experiences of climate-smart innovations introduced in Bangladesh, an integrated aquatic food-production system using coastal land and saltwater, introduction of salt-tolerant seaweed crops in coastal wetland systems, training dialogues for new technologies, and designing locally-led climate-smart adaptation techniques can open new frontiers for climate-resilient aquatic food production (WorldFish, 2021).…”

Current State and Future Potential of Fisheries in the Mirsharai Coastal Areas of Chattogram for Enhancing Bangladesh’s Blue Economy

“…The International Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2008 highlights the anticipated exacerbation of existing problems and hazards due to more frequent and severe tropical cyclones, unpredictable rainfall patterns, riverbank erosion, sedimentation, melting Himalayan glaciers, and rising sea levels [62,63]. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need to demonstrate aquaculture technologies directly in farmers' fields at the union level, aiming to sustain and enhance the current productivity status [64][65][66].…”

Design and Implementation of Solar Power and an IoT-Based Pisciculture Management System

“…Climate Information Services (CIS) are needed to inform fish farmers about the climate change and its impact on fish yield. This service should be made available and accessible at an affordable cost to them [36]. This can be made possible using IoT-based solution, too.…”