| Author | Ahmed, Khan Kamal Uddin |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.AS-99-01 |
| Subject(s) | Carp fisheries--Bangladesh--Kaptai Reservoir
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| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Technical Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. AS-99-01 |
| Abstract | The most pressing issue confronting reservoir fisheries of Bangladesh in the present decade is drastically declining yield of major carps. Despite an intensive annual stocking program of fingerlings to replenish the stock and also to forestall possible breeding failure, the yield performance of major carps is poor. Government has failed to impose necessary restrictions on the use of the resources and to introduce and effective fisheries management policy geared towards sustainability. This research was aimed at investigating the existing fisheries of Kaptai Reservoir, needs of the fisheries and the fishers, existing management practices, and exploring possible solutions. Above all a comprehensive analysis of technical, social and economic issues related to Kaptai Reservoir fisheries was undertaken, as a basis for developing a sustainable management strategy. The study explores on the catch per unit effort (CPUE) and technical efficiency of selected gears effective in capturing major carps; related socio-economic conditions of fishing community; economic performance of fishing gears; time series data on fish production; water level; rainfall; stocking; management issues and problems; strategies and tools; role of middlemen; royalty; and existing management authority;and the priorities of current stake holders of Kaptai reservoir. The study was based on both primary and secondary information. The CPUE data was collected at Kaptai Reservoir covering a total of 493 independent samples of different fishing units spread across four major fishing grounds of the reservoir. The same sample was utilized for fishers' household survey on their socio-economic status, cost and earnings. The analysis first identifies the effectiveness of gears for capturing major carps. The CPUE of the identified gears are further analyzed and significant differences were found among them (F=162.0; P<0.01). Significant variation (P<0.05) was also found between months, and between fisherman fishing in the same site. Relation of CPUE of different fishing gears with water level and rainfall was analyzed. The contribution of brush shelter (FAD), is also analyzed. Gear diversity, fish distribution pattern and fishing pressure is analysed in this study. In terms of size of major carps harvest, hooks and brush shelter are found harmful as they capture a significant number of under-sized. Fish yield estimated from this survey is also compared with the landed records made by BFDC and poaching and pilferage channel is identified. Overall socio-economic analysis reveals that the fishing community comprised both migrant and local fishers. Kaptai Reservoir fishing is labor intensive and shoreline fishers are very poor. Only migrants own capital intensive net fishing gears. Only 9% of fishers are of tribal origin and have only taken up fishing recenlty. The catch sharing system is found better for crew fishers as compared to salary system of crew hire. Inconsistent licensing system is observed for all gear types. Only 29% fishers have fishing licenses. Detailed analysis of cost and earnings for the gears reveal that not all fishing operations of Kaptai Reservoir are profitable Lift net seems to be most profitable while large meshed and small meshed seine net experienced losses in terms of gross margin, net profit and also other return components. Fish traders' service to fishery, royalty payment and their cost and return are also discussed. Analysis of existing institutions reveals that no institutional credit facilities or any cooperative structures exist for the welfare of the fisher community. The existing fisheries departments are understaffed, and suffer from shortcoming in planning, project implementation, design of extension activity and inter-agency coordination. They are poorly equipped in terms of their basic needs, which is insufficient to perform management activities. Lack of post-stocking management and legislative policy framwork, and very poor compliance with regulations and overall weak management committee are identified as major reasons for low yield of major carps. Law and regulations imposed by the government have not affected access to, right to uses and sharing of benefits from reservoir. This investigation identities and examines problems and issues related to major carps production, and constraints of the existing management mechanisms. The existing system exhibits a range of weakness, including: inadequate assessment and monitoring; poor stocking procedures and management follow up; lack of implementation of existing regulations; and rapid development of unregulated and destructive fishing practices. To meet the complexity of this challenge, an integrated management strategy is necessary. This will require consideration of short-term and long-term options with the participation of fishers, government and non-government organizations. The strategy focusses on involving fishers in the initiation, planning and implementation of management programs. Emphasis is also given to more effective monitoring, legislation, surveillance and enforcement through strengthening local management organizations, and providing support service and capacity building. In this context, proposed institutional reforms include formation of a strong management committee with participation from relevant organizations |
| Year | 1999 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. AS-99-1 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Hambrey, John B.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Lin, C. Kwei;Thapa, Gopal B.;Hussain, Zakir;Yang, Yap Siaw; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
AARM Program, AIT and AIT AA, Bangkok Thailand; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |