Aquatic
Resources in Sundarban
The primary goal of the Aquatic Resource
Programme is to put into place an effective management system for the
aquatic biodiversity (fishes, crustaceans and molluscs) of the Sundarban,
which will both protect vulnerable species and allow sustainable
harvesting of fish resources over the long term.
The Fisheries Management System will be
based on two major components:
-
Building of a competent fisheries
administration within the Sundarban Management Unit of the Forest
Department (i.e. the Aquatic Resources Division)
-
Mobilisation of fishermen to participate
in fisheries resource management.
The main activities of the Fisheries
Management System are shown in the following flowchart:
The Fisheries Management System is now
beginning implementation. For example, a comprehensive one-year
fisheries research and stock assessment study has been contracted out to
Khulna University and is currently being implemented. The Aquatic
Resource Division has conducted various filed studies and assembled a
substantial collection of fish specimens. These are undergoing study. A
particularly important finding is the discovery of very rare shark
species of the genus Glyphis in Sundarbans waters.
Giant Gangetic stingray have also been
observed
Over two hundred species of fish,
crustaceans and molluscs occur in the Sundarban. The winter fishery at
Dubla Char is particularly productive. However it suffers from outdated
fish processing technology which adds little value to the catch.
Fishermen also face poor living conditions and cause damage to the
surrounding forest when they set up their temporary camps anew each
year. The project is conducting feasibility studies for improving fish
processing and better sustainable infrastructure.
Ribbonfish hanging on racks to dry
Large croaker in basket truss
configuration hanging out to dry
Catch being sorted in fish drying yard
Temporary house of fishermen made of
Nypa palm
Cyclone shelter
Improvements will include better
freshwater supply and more cyclone shelters.
|