IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v16y2019i23p4814-d292551.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Understanding Social-Ecological Challenges of a Small-Scale Hilsa ( Tenualosa ilisha ) Fishery in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder

    (Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Doctoral Programme in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science (DENVI), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Aili Pyhälä

    (Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geosciences and Geography, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Md. Abdul Wahab

    (WorldFish, Bangladesh and South Asia Office, House 2B, Road 04, Block-B, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh)

  • Simo Sarkki

    (Cultural Anthropology, University of Oulu, P.O Box 1000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland)

  • Petra Schneider

    (Department for Water, Environment, Civil Engineering and Safety, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, Breitscheidstraße 2, D-39114 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Mohammad Mahmudul Islam

    (Department of Coastal and Marine Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh)

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) have been playing a crucial role in meeting the basic needs of millions of people around the world. Despite this, the sustainability of global fisheries is a growing concern, and the factors enabling or constraining the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries remain poorly understood. Hilsa shad ( Tenualosa ilisha ) is the single most valuable species harvested in Bangladesh waters, serves nutrition, income, and employment to the large population. This study analyzed the state and challenges of hilsa fishery in the Gangetic River systems (Padma and Meghna Rivers) by using two frameworks, namely the social-ecological systems (SES) and drivers-pressure-state-impact-responses (DPSIR) frameworks. Primary data for this analysis were collected by in-depth interviews (n = 130) and focus group discussions (n = 8) with various stakeholders in the hilsa fisheries. The perspectives explored here have been both critical and constructive, including the identification of problems and suggestions for improving the management of this particular social-ecological system. Hilsa fisheries, however, have come under severe threat since 2003 because of population growth, overfishing, pollution, climate change, the disruption of migration routes due to siltation, etc. All these have caused reduced catches and less stable incomes for fishers. This, in turn, has led to poverty, malnutrition, social tensions, stakeholder conflicts, and debt cycles amongst more impoverished fishing communities. These problems have been compounded by improved fishing technology amongst larger-scale ventures, the use of illegal fishing gears, and the non-compliance of government fishery management programs. Recommendations include the promotion of community-supported fisheries, the enhancement of stakeholder’s social resilience, the introduction of co-management approach, an increase in incentives and formal financial supports, and possible community-managed sustainable ecotourism including hilsa fishing-based tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Aili Pyhälä & Md. Abdul Wahab & Simo Sarkki & Petra Schneider & Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, 2019. "Understanding Social-Ecological Challenges of a Small-Scale Hilsa ( Tenualosa ilisha ) Fishery in Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4814-:d:292551
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/23/4814/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/23/4814/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Baylon, C.C., 2007. "Micro-enterprise development in selected fishing communities in the province of Iloilo, Philippines," Monographs, The WorldFish Center, number 37460, April.
    2. Lewison, Rebecca L. & Rudd, Murray A. & Al-Hayek, Wissam & Baldwin, Claudia & Beger, Maria & Lieske, Scott N. & Jones, Christian & Satumanatpan, Suvaluck & Junchompoo, Chalatip & Hines, Ellen, 2016. "How the DPSIR framework can be used for structuring problems and facilitating empirical research in coastal systems," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 110-119.
    3. Mohammad Mahmudul Islam & Rumana Aktar & Md. Nahiduzzaman & Benoy Kumar Barman & Md. Abdul Wahab, 2018. "Social Considerations of Large River Sanctuaries: A Case Study from the Hilsa Shad Fishery in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Badjeck, Marie-Caroline & Allison, Edward H. & Halls, Ashley S. & Dulvy, Nicholas K., 2010. "Impacts of climate variability and change on fishery-based livelihoods," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 375-383, May.
    5. R. Quentin Grafton & Ragnar Arnason & Trond Bjorndal & David Campbell & Harry F. Campbell & Colin W. Clark & Robin Connor & Diane P. Dupont & Rognvaldur Hannesson & Ray Hilborn & James E. Kirkley & To, 2005. "Incentive-based approaches to sustainable fisheries," Economics and Environment Network Working Papers 0508, Australian National University, Economics and Environment Network.
    6. Isaac Agyemang & Adrian McDonald & Steve Carver, 2007. "Application of the DPSIR framework to environmental degradation assessment in northern Ghana," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 31(3), pages 212-225, August.
    7. Allison, Edward H. & Ellis, Frank, 2001. "The livelihoods approach and management of small-scale fisheries," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 25(5), pages 377-388, September.
    8. Mohamed A. Zytoon & Abdulrahman M. Basahel, 2017. "Occupational Safety and Health Conditions Aboard Small- and Medium-Size Fishing Vessels: Differences among Age Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-20, February.
    9. Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Md. Abdul Wahab & Simo Sarkki & Petra Schneider & Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, 2018. "Enhancing Social Resilience of the Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study of Hilsa ( Tenualosa Ilisha H.) Fishery in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-21, September.
    10. David Lindenmayer, 2017. "Halting natural resource depletion: Engaging with economic and political power," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 28(1), pages 41-56, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Kristen M. Green & Jennifer C. Selgrath & Timothy H. Frawley & William K. Oestreich & Elizabeth J. Mansfield & Jose Urteaga & Shannon S. Swanson & Francisca N. Santana & Stephanie J. Green & Josheena , 2021. "How adaptive capacity shapes the Adapt, React, Cope response to climate impacts: insights from small-scale fisheries," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 164(1), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Beaven Utete & Crispen Phiri & Sibonani S. Mlambo & Never Muboko & Bernadette T. Fregene, 2019. "Vulnerability of fisherfolks and their perceptions towards climate change and its impacts on their livelihoods in a peri-urban lake system in Zimbabwe," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 917-934, April.
    3. Nobuhle Ndhlovu & Osamu Saito & Riyanti Djalante & Nobuyuki Yagi, 2017. "Assessing the Sensitivity of Small-Scale Fishery Groups to Climate Change in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Md. Abdul Wahab & Simo Sarkki & Petra Schneider & Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, 2018. "Enhancing Social Resilience of the Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study of Hilsa ( Tenualosa Ilisha H.) Fishery in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-21, September.
    5. Stacy E Aguilera & Jennifer Cole & Elena M Finkbeiner & Elodie Le Cornu & Natalie C Ban & Mark H Carr & Joshua E Cinner & Larry B Crowder & Stefan Gelcich & Christina C Hicks & John N Kittinger & Rebe, 2015. "Managing Small-Scale Commercial Fisheries for Adaptive Capacity: Insights from Dynamic Social-Ecological Drivers of Change in Monterey Bay," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(3), pages 1-22, March.
    6. Mst. Armina Sultana & Md. Ashraf Hussain & Petra Schneider & Md. Nahiduzzaman & Benoy Kumar Barman & Md. Abdul Wahab & Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Mrityunjoy Kunda, 2023. "Community-Driven Insights into Fish Assemblage, Microhabitats, and Management Strategies in the Meghna River Basin of Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
    7. Maruf Ahmed & Sabrina Jannat Mitu & Petra Schneider & Masud Alam & Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Md. Mostafa Shamsuzzaman, 2021. "Socio-Economic Conditions of Small-Scale Hilsa Fishers in the Meghna River Estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.
    8. Heenan, Adel & Pomeroy, Robert & Bell, Johann & Munday, Philip L. & Cheung, William & Logan, Cheryl & Brainard, Russell & Yang Amri, Affendi & Aliño, Porfirio & Armada, Nygiel & David, Laura & Rivera-, 2015. "A climate-informed, ecosystem approach to fisheries management," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 182-192.
    9. D’Souza Amabel & Brenda Parlee, 2020. "Fishing Livelihoods and Diversifications in the Mekong River Basin in the Context of the Pak Mun Dam, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    10. Edo Andriesse, 2020. "Local Differentiation in Diversification Challenges in Eleven Coastal Villages in Iloilo Province, Philippines," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(3), pages 652-671, July.
    11. Emdad Haque, C. & Julián Idrobo, C. & Berkes, Fikret & Giesbrecht, Dale, 2015. "Small-scale fishers’ adaptations to change: The role of formal and informal credit in Paraty, Brazil," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 401-407.
    12. Eliaza Mkuna & Lloyd Baiyegunhi & Wiktor Adamus, 2020. "Sustainable livelihood alternatives among Nile perch (Lates niloticus) fishers in Lake Victoria Tanzania: analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 9(1), pages 1-18, December.
    13. Mumini Dzoga & Mulala Danny Simatele & Mulala Danny Simatele & Cosmas Munga & Mumini Dzoga, 2019. "Climate Variability and Small-Scale Fisheries in Kenya: Characterization of Current Socio-Economic Conditions of Artisanal Fishing Communities in Ungwana Bay and the Lower Tana Delta," International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources, Juniper Publishers Inc., vol. 17(5), pages 147-153, March.
    14. Sabrina Jannat Mitu & Petra Schneider & Md. Shahidul Islam & Masud Alam & Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder & Mohammad Mosarof Hossain & Md. Mostafa Shamsuzzaman, 2021. "Socio-Economic Context and Community Resilience among the People Involved in Fish Drying Practices in the South-East Coast of Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-25, June.
    15. Forster, J. & Lake, I.R. & Watkinson, A.R. & Gill, J.A., 2014. "Marine dependent livelihoods and resilience to environmental change: A case study of Anguilla," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 204-212.
    16. Ryan S. Naylor & Carter A. Hunt, 2021. "Tourism and Livelihood Sovereignty: A Theoretical Introduction and Research Agenda for Arctic Contexts," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-11, August.
    17. Bennett, Nathan James & Govan, Hugh & Satterfield, Terre, 2015. "Ocean grabbing," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 61-68.
      • Wehner, Nicholas & Bennett, Nathan & Govan, Hugh & Satterfield, Terre, 2015. "Ocean grabbing," MarXiv bm6pf, Center for Open Science.
    18. Luo, Li & O'Hehir, Jim & Regan, Courtney M. & Meng, Li & Connor, Jeffery D. & Chow, Christopher W.K., 2021. "An integrated strategic and tactical optimization model for forest supply chain planning," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    19. Kanchanaroek, Yingluk & Termansen, Mette & Quinn, Claire, 2013. "Property rights regimes in complex fishery management systems: A choice experiment application," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 363-373.
    20. Vincent-Paul Sanon & Raymond Ouedraogo & Patrice Toé & Hamid El Bilali & Erwin Lautsch & Stefan Vogel & Andreas H. Melcher, 2021. "Socio-Economic Perspectives of Transition in Inland Fisheries and Fish Farming in a Least Developed Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-34, March.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4814-:d:292551. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.