Observation on Inland Capture Fishery of Abhaynagar Upazila, Jessore

Abstract

The survey was conducted in Abhaynagar Upazila of Jessore District. The total water area of Abhaynagar Upazila is 8,969.41 ha. Different types of carp, small indigenous species (SIS), and other small riverine species (SRS) were found in Abhaynagar Upazila. The highest number of fishermen were involved in fishing from September to January, with the highest amount of fish catch recorded during this period. About 40% of the people depend on capture fisheries. The people of Abhaynagar Upazila consume Puti, Shing, Koi, and Tengra throughout the year. In the study area, various types of crafts and gears were used, including seven types of traps, five types of crafts, five types of nets, and seven types of hooks. The fishing gears and crafts included box trap, topa, basket trap, polo, Puti bair, Koi daughier, Khadom, dingi nouka, bhesal dingi, donga, vela, patam nauka, thela jal, dhormo jal, seine net, khapla jal, push net, chip borsi, and dao borsi. About 60% of the fishermen used Tana jal and Khapla jal. During harvesting, the proportions of Chingri, Puti, Bain, Taki, and other species in the catch were 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, and 30%, respectively. In Abhaynagar Upazila, some fishermen catch fish from October to February and are categorized as seasonal fishermen. The winter season is suitable for fish collection, and about 60% of the fish are captured during this season. About 40% of the fishermen were observed to make five fishing trips per day and night, while only 10% made three trips per day and night. About 20% of the fishermen catch fish for approximately five hours during the day and night. There are four fish sanctuaries in Abhaynagar Upazila. It was observed that about 70% of the fishermen sold fish several times in the markets of Noapara and Phultala. Nowadays, some species such as Koi, Royna, Shing, Gutum, and Bale are endangered. The fishermen can play a vital role in protecting these endangered species. They should collect these species from other beels and release them into the beels of Abhaynagar Upazila. There was a range of prohibited fishing methods, and certain restrictions were imposed on fishing activities.