Fish species availability and socio-economic conditions of fishermen of the Bergobindopur baor, Jashore, Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate fish species availability and socio-economic conditions offishermen of the Bergobindopur baor of Jashore district, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 30 fishermenof the baor through questionnaire interviews and focus group discussion. Various indigenous fish like rui,punti, tengra, shol, ayre, chital, mohashol and a few exotic fish like tilapia, silver carp, common carp, andgrass carp are available in Bergobindopur baor. Prices of fishes varied from species to species but high pricedfish were mohashol, chital, and shol. Kochal jal, net jal, and hela jal are used for fishing. A large portion offishermen (70%) were Hindu, almost all were male (96%) , married (91%) and middle aged (55%). Bothjoint and nuclear families were found among the fishermen. Yearly income of the maximum fishermen wasbetween Tk. 31000 and Tk. 50000. Non-constructed houses were more abundant (88%) and majority (61%)had electricity facilities. All fishermen used tube well water, sanitary latrines and took allopathic (80%)treatment which indicated positive signs for health condition. Through fishing, their socio-economic conditionhad improved. About 60% fishers had bank accounts and all sent their children to school as well as farmedcattle. However, the fishers faced some problems like lack of sufficient boats and gears, transportationproblems, inadequate training facilities, lack of financial supports, lack of awareness etc. Therefore, moreinstitutional, organizational, technical and credit supports are required to minimize their difficulties andensure their socio-economic betterment and sustainable livelihoods