Food aid programme during restricted hilsa fishing period: effectiveness and management perspective

Abstract

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is geographically and economically important species in Bangladesh. To conserve hilsa, the government of Bangladesh has introduced fishing ban for certain periods of the year and also provides food assistance to hilsa fishers during the restriction period. Inadequate management often pushes real fishers out of the assistance programme and therefore, this study focused on assessing the effectiveness of the programme with a view to proposing a better management practice. A total of 202 randomly selected fishermen, living in the villages adjacent to Andharmanik River of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh, were interviewed. The Andharmanik River is famous for the natural breeding of hilsa. Results suggest that the amount of food provided and its distribution pattern were not that effective for the fishermen. Effectiveness was significantly related to the number of earning able family member, income difference between peak and restricted season and loan facility during the restriction period. This study also explained income difference trajectories of the fishermen community. Community-based management with facilitation by the state fisheries department and local government entity may enhance the programme effectiveness. More awareness programme and research are needed in this regard.

A case study of illegal fishing causes during seasonal fishery closure in Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh

“…In Bangladesh, fishing bans are commonly used to manage fisheries exploitation and help conserve aquatic biota, especially fishes. Both permanent and temporary fishing bans have been employed in important habitats of the country (Mredul et al, 2020; Shalehin et al, 2020). However, a large number of people in Bangladesh, including 1.32 million professional fishermen, almost exclusively living below the subsistence level, are solely dependent on fishing for their livelihoods (DoF, 2019).…”

“…However, a large number of people in Bangladesh, including 1.32 million professional fishermen, almost exclusively living below the subsistence level, are solely dependent on fishing for their livelihoods (DoF, 2019). Concern about the welfare of these fishermen and other stakeholders is growing during temporary fishery closures (Mredul et al, 2020; van Brakel et al, 2018). Fishing bans, including seasonal fishery closure (the “closed season”), are often blamed for reduced income for fishing communities, which, in many instances, provokes fishermen to fish illegally, by violating the closure (Dey et al, 2010; Mredul et al, 2020; van Brakel et al, 2018).…”

“…Concern about the welfare of these fishermen and other stakeholders is growing during temporary fishery closures (Mredul et al, 2020; van Brakel et al, 2018). Fishing bans, including seasonal fishery closure (the “closed season”), are often blamed for reduced income for fishing communities, which, in many instances, provokes fishermen to fish illegally, by violating the closure (Dey et al, 2010; Mredul et al, 2020; van Brakel et al, 2018). It is often the case that fishermen receive subsidies during the closed season but ineffective distribution of these also encourages fishermen to become involved in illegal fishing (Mredul et al, 2020; Rayhan et al, 2021).…”

“…Fishing bans, including seasonal fishery closure (the “closed season”), are often blamed for reduced income for fishing communities, which, in many instances, provokes fishermen to fish illegally, by violating the closure (Dey et al, 2010; Mredul et al, 2020; van Brakel et al, 2018). It is often the case that fishermen receive subsidies during the closed season but ineffective distribution of these also encourages fishermen to become involved in illegal fishing (Mredul et al, 2020; Rayhan et al, 2021). In addition, financial loans at high‐interest rates from different sources also influence the decisions of financially poor fishermen over where, when and how to fish (Habib & Jan, 2021; Rayhan et al, 2021).…”

The Premium of Hilsa Sanctuary: A Socio-Economic and Ecological Evaluation from the Meghna Estuary, Bangladesh

“…They are among the most marginalized members of society, subjected to extreme stratification, discrimination, social exclusion, and economic dominance [36]. Fishers have a lower social status due to their low financial assets, limited skills, and limited living options [37]. Because of their limited occupational skills, they are unable to easily transition to other occupations.…”