Value Chain and Efficacy of Hilsa Fishing Gears at The Lower Meghna River of Bangladesh

Abstract:

The present study describes the hilsa fishing gears used by the fishermen of the Chairman Ghat fish landing center which is located on the bank of the lower Meghna river under the Hatiya sub-district of Noakhali, Bangladesh. Between October 2019 to March 2020, data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires for interviews with fishermen and gear businessmen. Study findings showed that 6 types of gear (ilish jal, char suta jal, cot jal, current jal, poa jal, and behundi jal) were used by the fishermen for catching hilsa. The highest mesh size was recorded in cot jal (12.83±1.11 cm) and lowest in poa jal (3.30±0.40 cm). The highest construction cost was found in cot jal (16390.39±1172.60 USD). Cot jal had the highest longevity of (4.45±0.93 years), and current jal had the lowest longevity of (0.50±0 years). Peak and lean season of hilsa started from September to November and December to February. Ilish jal, char suta jal, and cot jal mainly used all year round except the banning season. Current jal, poa jal, behundi jal was operated from January to July, September to March, November to June respectively. However, Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is main catch species of ilish jal, char suta jal, cot jal, and current jal, other fish such as Poa (Otolithoides pam), Pangas (Pangasius pangasius), Coral (Lates calcarifer), Rup Chanda (Stromateus sinensis), Bom Maitta (Euthynnus affinis), Khorsula (Rhinomugil corsula), Guilla (Mystus gulio), Chewa (Taenioides cirratus) were caught by those gear. For the preservation of the gear, no chemicals or medicine were used. Net (fishing net) and construction materials brought from Chairman Ghat market, Sonapur Bazar, Chowmuhani Bazar. Among the hilsa fishing in the study area, ilish jal was the most efficient gear. Ilish jal was the best-suited gear for its lower construction rate and operating cost resulting in a higher cost-benefit ratio (2.25±0.64) and early breakeven point of cost (2.01±0.83 years). Hilsa fishermen don’t get any financial support from the government. They had to take dadon or lease money from the mohajon or landlord. The landlord and mohajon forced the fishermen to sell their fish at a low price. Therefore, Government assistance to the fishermen is urgently needed.