Perceptions of the Impact of Climate Change on Performance of Fish Hatcheries in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The impacts of climate change (CC) on all spheres of human life are evident worldwide. Fish is the premier protein source, and its production in Bangladesh is mainly dependent on hatchery-based seed production. However, hatchery productivity is disrupted every year due to CC. This study assesses the impacts of CC on fish seed production in hatcheries from the perspective of hatchery owners. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 hatchery owners in five sub-districts (Trishal, Mymensingh Sadar, Gouripur, Fulbaria, and Muktagacha) of the Mymensingh district, the highest aquaculture-producing zone in Bangladesh. Characteristically, hatchery owners are middle-aged and highly educated, with over a decade of experience in fish hatchery management. Likert scale results showed that hatchery owners concur with the evidence of CC, as seen by changes in air and water temperatures, rainfall, and sunlight intensity, as well as frequent natural disasters. Regression analysis showed that erratic rainfall, high temperature, and high solar radiation significantly influenced the hatchery owners’ perceptions of CC. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to divide the impact of CC into 12 components. Maximum variance (>70%) observed could be explained by problems related to embryonic and physiological development of fish fry, environmental changes, disease outbreaks, and poor growth of broodfish. The first PCA explained over 50% of the variances, with significantly higher factor loadings, comprising poor gonadal maturation, low hatching rate, poor egg and seed quality, low fecundity, and poor sperm quality of broodfish. The first PCA confirmed that the impacts of CC on fish hatchery operations were severe. Planting trees on the hatchery premises, aeration of brood ponds, increased water supply, and temperature control can be implemented to address the negative impacts on fish hatcheries. Further research in the laboratory and hatchery environments is needed.

Aquaculture practices in Bangladesh: A synopsis on prospects, productivity, and problems

“…The changes in growth and water quality parameters because of climatic changes can also be a potential issue regarding farm production because of the industry's dependency on natural culture units. For instance, temperature-induced changes in reproductive performance can affect the production of seeds in hatcheries (Siddique et al, 2022). Although climatic changes are somewhat invincible, the construction of dams, embankments, and dikes; farming fast-growing fish species; and crop rotation can be adopted to deal with the climatic extremes (Ahmed & Diana, 2016).…”

Review of the current situation, problems, and challenges in fish seed production and supply for Bangladesh's aquaculture development

“…Siddique et al (2022a) reported that climate change such as temperature fluctuation, erratic rainfall, and solar radiation is becoming a major concern of hatchery owners for the productivity of fish hatchery. Climate change due to geographical location of Bangladesh can impact the embryonic development and impair maturation and breeding performance of broodstock (Siddique et al, 2022b).…”

Embryonic and Larval Development of Stinging Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, in Relation to Climatic and Water Quality Parameters

“…Climatic variables, such as temperature and rainfall, and changes in water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and alkalinity, significantly affect embryonic and larval growth [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. According to a recent study [ 16 ], fish hatcheries including hatcheries of stinging catfish are being negatively affected by various climatic changes, such as changes in air and water temperatures, rainfall, and sunlight intensity, as well as frequent natural disasters, resulting in disruption of hatchery production with poor quality fry. Among the different climatic and water quality parameters, temperature is a fundamental factor that influences other parameters in various ways to affect broodfish reproductive processes, such as growth, maturation, ovulation, breeding, embryonic development, hatching of eggs, and larval and juvenile growth and survival [ 17 ].…”