Economics of banning Hilsa fishing and its impact on the fishermen’s income in Chandpur Sadar Upazila of Bangladesh

Abstract

Hilsa fish population had been declining due to the fishing of the juvenile fish and fishing during the breeding seasons. So, restrictions have been imposed on the fishing of jatka during certain times and on all kinds of Hilsa fishing during certain times of the year. However, the Hilsa fishermen are poor and these restrictions may adversely affect their income. This study aimed to understand the impact of seasonal banning of Hilsa fishing on the fishermen’s income in Chandpur Sadar Upazila. The study was based on a field survey where primary data were collected from 40 fishermen and secondary data were collected from different reports, published and unpublished documents, journal articles, etc. Changes in income of fishermen were observed through benefit-cost analysis of fish farming. Factors affecting changes in income because of the ban were analyzed through regression analysis. The present study revealed that the BCR of Hilsa fishing before banning season was 1.20. The total cost of Hilsa fishing per day was Tk. 2972. The gross return per day was Tk. 3591 in peak season. The net return of Hilsa fishing per day was Tk. 618. The study also revealed that per day income of Hilsa fishermen during banning period was about Tk. 182. The regression analysis found that subsidy, alternative job, other types of fish catch, fishing hour, and experience of Hilsa fishermen, all of these factors had a negative impact on the difference in income before and during the ban while, the quantity of Hilsa fish caught had a positive impact. The study also found that the Hilsa fishermen were facing various financial, technical, marketing and social problems. The study concluded that steps should be taken to provide alternate income support to the Hilsa fishermen, especially during ban and lean period.