| Author | Chowdhury, M. A. Kabir |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AS-97-17 |
| Subject(s) | Aquaculture--Bangladesh, Southwestern
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in pa1tial fulfillment of the requirements for the research for the degree of
Master of Science, School of Environment, Resource and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-97-17 |
| Abstract | Oxbow lakes, located in the south western part of Bangladesh is an unique fishery
resource still not utilized up to its full potential. Technical, social and economic aspects to
develop cage culture was assessed in this study. For technical aspects, water quality of lake
Baluhar was studied. Data on other lakes and connecting river channels were reviewed. For
socio-economic aspects, a rapid appraisal and house-hold questionnaire survey were
conducted to review existing four management systems and also to identify the locally
available potential inputs. During rapid appraisal - workshops, group discussions with
different interest groups were arranged, a transact of lake ecosystem was prepared and
resource maps were drawn for each management system by the fishers. Total 80 samples
were taken for questionnaire survey where 20 were drawn out for each management system.
Respondents were selected from the fishers community live around the lakes. To assess the
feed and market potential, two different survey were conducted. Locally available low cost
feed ingredients were identified and a low cost (Us $ 0.22) protein rich (25%) feed was
formulated. A financial analysis was produced based on information collected from both
primary and secondary sources. A carrying capacity model based on phosphorus flow was
produced to predict the possible maximum production from cage culture for lake Baluhar.
A positive correlation (0.386) between DO and transparency and negative relation (-
0.361) among phosphorus and transparency was observed during the study period. A resource
use conflict between Lake Fishing Team members and Fish Farming Group members was
indicated though both the party belong to the same interest group LMG (Lake Management
Group). Distinct differences were observed on the level of satisfaction of the resource users
of different management systems. When other factors are static, the break even price of
produced fish showed in the financial analysis is US $ 2.00/ kg to make cage culture
profitable. Huge potential of cage culture was observed from the carrying capacity model.
Production from cages can compliment the lake fisheries production about 13 tons per year
with a proper lake stocking management.
High value species are recommended for cage culture in oxbow lakes as a starter.
Introduction of cage culture by women members of Lake Management Group can reduce the
existing conflict. Further researches are felt like developing simulation model to assess
carrying capacity of individual lakes or social research to identify conflict areas between
different interest groups. The need for an unified management strategy to utilize full potential
of oxbow lakes is felt and a conceptual institutional framework for oxbow lake management
is proposed in the study. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AS-97-17 |
| Type | Thesis |
| 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) | Yakupitiyage, Amararatne; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Lin, C. Kwei ;Hambrey, John B.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
(SIDA) ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |